Signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Strategic Water Supply Act in New Mexico.

Highlights:

• Specifies that the "strategic water supply program" is created. Subject to the availability of funds and a project that meets all eligibility requirements, the Department of Environment and the Office of the State Engineer may each enter into contracts or award grants for eligible projects involving treated brackish water to enhance the state's freshwater resources (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that to be eligible for a strategic water supply program contract, a project shall  (Sec. 3): 

• Comply with all applicable state, federal, tribal, and local governmental standards, permit requirements, and other provisions of law, including public notice, public hearing processes, and all other associated requirements related to public involvement, to protect existing water rights, conservation of water within the state, public welfare, public health, and the environment;

• Furnish financial assurance, other than third-party guarantees, to the Department of Environment by rules promulgated by the water quality control commission, running to the benefit of the state and with any forfeitures deposited in the state treasury in the strategic water supply program fund;

• Demonstrate how the project will advance state, tribal or local government economic development goals under the purposes of enhancing the state's freshwater resources; and

• Submit a specific, actionable, and measurable community benefits plan that includes a process for community engagement and is designed to provide broadly shared benefits to members of the public who are or may be impacted by the strategic water supply program contract.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Strategic Water Supply Act in New Mexico.

Highlights:

• Specifies that the "strategic water supply program" is created. Subject to the availability of funds and a project that meets all eligibility requirements, the Department of Environment and the Office of the State Engineer may each enter into contracts or award grants for eligible projects involving treated brackish water to enhance the state's freshwater resources (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that to be eligible for a strategic water supply program contract, a project shall  (Sec. 3): 

• Comply with all applicable state, federal, tribal, and local governmental standards, permit requirements, and other provisions of law, including public notice, public hearing processes, and all other associated requirements related to public involvement, to protect existing water rights, conservation of water within the state, public welfare, public health, and the environment;

• Furnish financial assurance, other than third-party guarantees, to the Department of Environment by rules promulgated by the water quality control commission, running to the benefit of the state and with any forfeitures deposited in the state treasury in the strategic water supply program fund;

• Demonstrate how the project will advance state, tribal or local government economic development goals under the purposes of enhancing the state's freshwater resources; and

• Submit a specific, actionable, and measurable community benefits plan that includes a process for community engagement and is designed to provide broadly shared benefits to members of the public who are or may be impacted by the strategic water supply program contract.

Full Bill Text