The House of Representatives on Saturday passed a bill to amend the Water Utilities Finance Act by a vote of 67-0. One of the ways HB 211 amends the Water Project Financing Act is by allowing funds available through the Water Trust Board to be used for wastewater projects.Initially, this bill repealed the use of […]
The House of Representatives on Saturday passed a bill to amend the Water Utilities Finance Act by a vote of 67-0.
One of the ways HB 211 amends the Water Project Financing Act is by allowing funds available through the Water Trust Board to be used for wastewater projects.
Initially, the bill precluded the use of Water Trust Board funds for projects focused on implementing federal Endangered Species Act cooperative programs. However, the House Appropriations Committee amended the bill to restore that authority.
The New Mexico Department of Finance administers funding for Water Trust Board projects.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Susan Herrera (D-Embodo), explained that the Interstate River Commission typically oversees Endangered Species Act projects. She said the New Mexico Department of Finance doesn't actually have much to do with Endangered Species Act projects.
“But once upon a time, 20 years ago, they did that. That's why we keep it hidden,” she said.
The fiscal impact report says there is strong demand for grants to fund wastewater treatment facilities and conveyance systems, but limited demand for projects related to the Endangered Species Act. .
Funding from the Water Trust Board is critical to supporting water systems across New Mexico, especially small utilities, many of which are run by volunteers, she said.
This funding covers federal and local cost sharing, engineering feasibility reports, contracted engineering designs, construction inspections, special engineering services, environmental or archaeological surveys, construction, land acquisition, easements and rights-of-way. It can be used for rights, legal fees, etc.
Because many water systems in the state are small and have limited staff capacity, HB 211 would allow the New Mexico Department of Finance to provide “financial and administrative capacity development and direct technical assistance for water projects.” It includes a provision that allows you to hire contractors.
Herrera said there are 45 mutual domestic water systems in the district, 95 percent of which are run by volunteers.
“Providing clean drinking water 24 hours a day is a huge undertaking,” he said, adding that this is why the law provides a mechanism for the New Mexico Department of Finance to provide technical assistance.
HB 211 now heads to the Senate.
