II Calendar No. 27 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 178 [Report No. 109–16] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 26, 2005 Mr. Domenici (for himself and Mr. Bingaman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources March 7, 2005 Reported by Mr. Domenici, without amendment A BILL To provide assistance to the State of New Mexico for the development of comprehensive State water plans, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the New Mexico Water Planning Assistance Act.

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.

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.

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.

March 7, 2005 Reported without amendment