SB 089: UNIT FUND FOR CERTAIN WATER SUPPLY NEEDS

An Act Relating To Water; Requiring The Interstate Stream Commission To Expend A Portion Of The New Mexico Unit Fund For Water Utilization Alternatives To Meet Water Supply Demands In The Southwest Water Planning Region; Making An Appropriation.

Add to My Bills

HIGH SB 089
UNIT FUND FOR CERTAIN WATER SUPPLY NEEDS

Legislative URL:

SB 089 on nmlegis.gov

Emergency Clause:

No

Germane:

Yes

Location:

SCONC

Action:

SPREF [2] SCC/SCONC/SFC-SCC-germane-SCONC

Hearing:

Thursday, February 13, 2014 - 2:00 p.m. or ½ hour after session - Senate Floor

Issue(s):

Water Quality & Supply

Related Legislators

Bill Sponsor:

Peter Wirth

Related Documents

Downloads:

Introduced
SCC Committee Report
Fiscal Impact Report

Summary

SB 89 will require the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) to expend $82 million in federal Arizona Water Settlements Act funding on water supply projects like water conservation, watershed improvement and new infrastructure to help meet water supply demands in the southwest water planning region

The Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004 authorized $66 million for community water projects to meet local water needs and an incentive of $34 – $62 million more if the ISC decides to divert the Gila River. With inflation the initial $66 million received in 2004 has grown to nearly $100 million.

• This measure may provide a benefit to New Mexico by focusing the federal funding on water conservation, efficiency improvements and watershed restoration projects rather than more expensive engineering projects.
• It may benefit the southwest counties by potentially allowing them to implement municipal conservation, agricultural conservation, watershed restoration, effluent reuse, and sustainable groundwater programs that could secure thousands of acre feet per year for irrigation, drinking water and economic development.

• The bill may provide a positive step towards protecting New Mexico’s last free flowing river from a large-scale diversion.

This bill relates to SB 090.

Date of Summary:  1/26/2014

Outcome:

SB 089 died in the Senate Conservation Committee.

Updated 7/31/14