NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.





F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Sandel DATE TYPED: 1/26/99 HB 85
SHORT TITLE: NMSU Energy Tech Center SB
ANALYST: Pacheco-Perez


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
 Recurring

or Non-Rec

 Fund

Affected

FY99 FY2000 FY99 FY2000
$ 300.0 Recurring GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)



Duplicates SB30



_____________________________________________________________________________



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Commission on Higher Education (CHE)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $300.0 to the Board of Regents of the New Mexico State University for the purpose of creating and operating a center for energy technologies at NMSU in Dona Ana county.



Significant Issues



According to the CHE, this project was ranked 8th of eleven projects requested by the institution. In reviewing the research and public service project requests, this project received a high rating by the CHE.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $300.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY00 shall revert to the general fund.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



Based upon the research and public service project request submitted by NMSU, this project would add 4.00 FTE.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



This bill duplicates Senate Bill 30.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



According to the CHE, the state higher education funding formula allows institutions to retain 100% of earned overhead on federal grants and contracts for the purpose of providing seed money and matching funds for projects such as that proposed in this bill.



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