[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 178 Referred in House (RFH)]
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 178
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 27, 2005
Referred to the Committee on Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To provide assistance to the State of New Mexico for the development of
comprehensive State water plans, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``New Mexico Water Planning Assistance
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation and
the United States Geological Survey.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of New
Mexico.
SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Upon the request of the Governor of the State and
subject to subsections (b) through (f), the Secretary shall--
(1) provide to the State technical assistance and grants
for the development of comprehensive State water plans;
(2) conduct water resources mapping in the State; and
(3) 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.
(b) Technical Assistance.--Technical assistance provided under
subsection (a) may include--
(1) acquisition of hydrologic data, groundwater
characterization, database development, and data distribution;
(2) expansion of climate, surface water, and groundwater
monitoring networks;
(3) assessment of existing water resources, surface water
storage, and groundwater storage potential;
(4) numerical analysis and modeling necessary to provide an
integrated understanding of water resources and water
management options;
(5) participation in State planning forums and planning
groups;
(6) coordination of Federal water management planning
efforts;
(7) technical review of data, models, planning scenarios,
and water plans developed by the State; and
(8) provision of scientific and technical specialists to
support State and local activities.
(c) Allocation.--In providing grants under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations,
allocate--
(1) $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;
(2) $1,500,000 to complete the hydrographic survey
development of hydrologic models and acquire associated
equipment for the San Juan River and tributaries;
(3) $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) $4,500,000 for statewide digital orthophotography
mapping; and
(5) such sums as are necessary to carry out additional
projects consistent with subsection (b).
(d) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(e) Non-Reimbursable Basis.--Any assistance or grants provided to
the State under this Act shall be made on a non-reimbursable basis.
(f) 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.
SEC. 4. 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.
Passed the Senate July 26, 2005.
Attest:
EMILY J. REYNOLDS,
Secretary.