The bill amends the Water Project Finance Act to enhance the monitoring and protection of drinking water quality in New Mexico. It introduces new provisions that prioritize real-time water quality monitoring projects, allowing the board to authorize grants and loans specifically for these initiatives. The amendments include the addition of a new category of qualifying water projects focused on monitoring and protecting water quality, as well as establishing conditions for grants and loans related to real-time water quality monitoring systems. These systems are intended to provide data on water and wastewater quality and resources in the state.

Additionally, the bill sets specific requirements for entities applying for grants related to real-time water quality monitoring, including the need for reporting data to the Department of Environment and a cap on total obligations for these grants. The maximum grant amount is set at $500,000, with an overall cap of $31.5 million for the fund, which will be evaluated for potential modification by June 30, 2027. The bill also emphasizes the importance of incorporating available technologies for water use efficiency in project plans and specifications.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 72-4A-5, 72-14-45, 72-4A-7