[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 72 (Thursday, May 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S5961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DOMENICI:
  S. 2460. A bill to provide assistance to the State of New Mexico for 
the development of comprehensive State water plans, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, water is the life's blood for New 
Mexico. When the water dries up in New Mexico, so will many of its 
communities. As such, the scarcity of water in New Mexico is a dire 
situation. Unfortunately, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer 
(NM OSE) lacks the tools necessary to undertake the Herculean task of 
effectively managing New Mexico's water resources.
  Today, I introduce legislation that would allow New Mexico to make 
informed decisions about its limited water resources.
  In order to effectively perform water rights administration, as well 
as comply with New Mexico's compact deliveries, the State Engineer is 
statutorily required to perform assessments and investigations of the 
numerous stream systems and ground water basins located within New 
Mexico. However, the NM OSE is ill equipped to vigorously and 
comprehensively undertake the daunting but critically important task of 
water resource planning. At present, the NM OSE lacks adequate 
resources to perform necessary hydrographic surveys and data 
collection. As such, ensuring a future water supply for my home state 
requires that Congress provide the NM OSE with the resources necessary 
to fulfill its statutory mandate.
  The bill I introduce today would create a standing authority for the 
State of New Mexico to seek and receive technical assistance from the 
Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Geological Survey. It would 
also provide the NM OSE the sum of $12.5 million in federal assistance 
to perform hydrologic models of New Mexico's most important water 
systems. This bill would provide the NM OSE with the best resources 
available when making crucial decisions about how best preserve our 
limited water stores.
  Ever decreasing water supplies in New Mexico have reached critical 
levels and require immediate action. The Congress cannot sit idly by as 
water shortages cause death to New Mexico's communities. I hope the 
Senate will give this legislation its every consideration.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2460

       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.-- On the request of the Governor of the 
     State and subject to subsections (b) through (e), 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 Rio 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) Non-Reimbursable and No Cost-sharing.--Any assistance 
     or grants provided to the State under this Act shall be made 
     on a non-reimbursable basis and without a cost-sharing 
     requirement.
       (e) 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 $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009.
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