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





SPONSOR: W.C. Williams DATE TYPED: 02/16/99 HB 531
SHORT TITLE: Tularosa Runoff Containment SB
ANALYST: Pickering


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY99 FY2000 FY99 FY2000
NFI $ 150.0 NFI NFI Non-Recurring GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates SB 472



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Office of the State Engineer (OSE)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



HB 531 appropriates $150.0 from the general fund to the OSE for the purpose of updating and expanding the feasibility study for containing runoff from several canyons in the Tularosa area.



Significant Issues



According to the village of Tularosa officials, surplus water flows through the area during the winter months and is not put to beneficial use. The village and community ditch could utilize the water if a storage facility were available. In the view of the OSE, the study could identify the site location and the feasibility of such a storage project. Additionally, a water rights application is required prior to any construction of the project. Also, previous studies have been conducted.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



According to the OSE, there is no fiscal impact.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



HB 531 is duplicate to SB 472.



SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



The OSE believes the study is needed to verify amounts of water which can be appropriated and

engineering feasibility of dam sights. Prior to construction, all water rights permits from the OSE and 404 permits from the Corps of Engineers are required.



ALTERNATIVES



The OSE states that technical assistance may be available from the federal government for the study/design phase from the Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation.



CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL



According to the OSE, surplus water will continue not to be utilized.



AMENDMENTS



HB 531 appropriates $150.0 to the OSE for the feasibility study in the Tularosa area, but does not identify the entity the state engineer should direct the funds to. It is suggested by the agency, that the funds be directed to the "Village of Tularosa" from the OSE.



RWP/gm