IIB
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 1711
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 28, 2006
Received
November 13, 2006
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
AN ACT
To provide assistance to the State of New Mexico for the development of comprehensive State water plans, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the
New Mexico Water Planning Assistance
Act
.
Definitions
In this Act:
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Geological Survey.
State
The term State means the State of New Mexico.
Comprehensive water plan assistance
In General
Upon the request of the Governor of the State and subject to subsections (b) through (f), the Secretary shall—
provide to the State technical assistance and grants for the development of comprehensive State water plans;
conduct water resources mapping in the State; and
conduct a comprehensive study of groundwater resources (including potable, brackish, and saline water resources) in the State to assess the quantity, quality, and interaction of groundwater and surface water resources.
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance provided under subsection (a) may include—
acquisition of hydrologic data, groundwater characterization, database development, and data distribution;
expansion of climate, surface water, and groundwater monitoring networks;
assessment of existing water resources, surface water storage, and groundwater storage potential;
numerical analysis and modeling necessary to provide an integrated understanding of water resources and water management options;
participation in State planning forums and planning groups;
coordination of Federal water management planning efforts;
technical review of data, models, planning scenarios, and water plans developed by the State; and
provision of scientific and technical specialists to support State and local activities.
Allocation
In providing grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, allocate—
$5,000,000 to develop hydrologic models and acquire associated equipment for the New Mexico Rio Grande main stem sections and Rios Pueblo de Taos and Hondo, Rios Nambe, Pojoaque and Teseque, Rio Chama, and Lower Rio Grande tributaries;
$1,500,000 to complete the hydrographic survey development of hydrologic models and acquire associated equipment for the San Juan River and tributaries;
$1,000,000 to complete the hydrographic survey development of hydrologic models and acquire associated equipment for Southwest New Mexico, including the Animas Basin, the Gila River, and tributaries;
$4,500,000 for statewide digital orthophotography mapping; and
such sums as are necessary to carry out additional projects consistent with subsection (b).
Cost-Sharing Requirement
In general
The non-Federal share of the total cost of any activity carried out using a grant provided under subsection (a) shall be 50 percent.
Form of non-federal share
The non-Federal share under paragraph (1) may be in the form of any in-kind services that the Secretary determines would contribute substantially toward the conduct and completion of the activity assisted.
Non-Reimbursable Basis
Any assistance or grants provided to the State under this Act shall be made on a non-reimbursable basis.
Authorized Transfers
On request of the State, the Secretary shall directly transfer to 1 or more Federal agencies any amounts made available to the State to carry out this Act.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.
Sunset of authority
The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this Act shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Passed the House of Representatives September 27, 2006.
Karen L. Haas,
Clerk.