Summary:

 Senate Bill 108 (SB 108) appropriates ten million dollars ($10,000,000) to the Department of Environment (NMED) to plan, design and construct projects to improve river, stream and wetland habitat and surface water quality. 


 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Bill 108 (SB 108) appropriates ten million dollars ($10,000,000) from the General Fund (GF) to the Department of Environment (NMED) for expenditure for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 to plan, design and construct projects to improve river, stream and wetland habitat and surface water quality. 
Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 2026 reverts to the GF.
 

Current Law:

 The NMED is responsible for overseeing water infrastructure systems and water quality issues throughout the state. It has many programs that focus on protecting the quality of our waters and assuring safe and effective infrastructure for delivering clean water to our communities. The NMED coordinates much of its work with federal agencies, other state agencies, local governments, and citizen groups. 
According to NMED analysis, projects under the River Stewardship Program take on average two to four years to complete so that the time frame in this appropriation is unrealistic to complete and fully fund these projects.
NOTE: The Office of State Engineer administers the state’s water resources in terms of water quantity, appropriation, and distribution of surface and ground waters.
https://www.env.nm.gov/water/
 

Amendments:

 2/11/2025
The Senate Conservation Committee (SCONC) amended SB 108 (SB 108A SCONC) by clarifying that the appropriation goes to the NMED’s river stewardship program. It changed the time for expenditure of the appropriation from FY 2026 to FY 2026 through FY 2029 with any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 2029 reverting to the GF.