NMFA-backed bill authorizes loans and grants for 113 water projects

Representative Garrett presented House Bill 63 (emergency clause), describing it as an NMFA-endorsed bill to authorize loans or grants from the Water Project Fund for 113 projects sought by 75 public entities. Marquita Russell, CEO of the New Mexico Finance Authority, said 114 applications were received this year, 113 are recommended, and the total requested amount "is about $522,000,000," while available funds are roughly $335,000,000 and another $100,000,000 is included in House Bill 2.

Colt Halland of the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts spoke in support, noting four soil and water districts are involved. Representative Herrera moved, and Representative Brown seconded, a motion to pass HB63; with no opposition noted, the committee adopted the motion.

Marquita Russell answered committee questions about application counts and funding shortfalls and offered to answer further questions on project prioritization; the transcript records project totals and fund availability but does not provide a roll-call vote.