The House of Representatives passed legislation that would amend the Water Project Finance Act on a 67-0 vote Saturday . One of the ways that HB 211 amends the Water Project Finance Act is to allow funding available through the Water Trust Board to be used on wastewater projects. Initially, the bill eliminated the use […]
The House of Representatives passed legislation that would amend the Water Project Finance Act on a 67-0 vote Saturday .
One of the ways that HB 211 amends the Water Project Finance Act is to allow funding available through the Water Trust Board to be used on wastewater projects.
Initially, the bill eliminated the use of Water Trust Board funding on projects focused on implementing federal Endangered Species Act collaborative programs. However, the House Appropriation and Finance Committee amended the bill to restore that authorization.
The New Mexico Finance Authority administers the funding for Water Trust Board projects.
Bill sponsor Rep. Susan Herrera, D-Embudo, explained that the Interstate Stream Commission would typically oversee Endangered Species Act projects. She said the New Mexico Finance Authority really doesn’t have much to do with Endangered Species Act projects.
“But once upon a time, 20 years ago they did, so that’s why we’re keeping it in,” she said.
According to the fiscal impact report, there is a significant demand for grants to fund wastewater treatment facilities and conveyance systems but limited demand for projects related to the Endangered Species Act.
