Senate Memorial 20 aims to raise awareness about the deteriorating condition of dams in New Mexico and urges state leaders to collaborate on establishing a comprehensive statewide dam rehabilitation program. The memorial highlights the critical role that dams play in the state's infrastructure, providing essential benefits such as flood control, water storage, and irrigation. It notes that many of New Mexico's dams are over fifty years old, with some exceeding one hundred years, and emphasizes the need for timely intervention due to the increasing risk of catastrophic dam failures exacerbated by aging infrastructure and severe weather events.

The memorial calls for state leaders to work together to identify the needs for dam rehabilitation, prioritize projects, seek funding, and assist dam owners with planning and grant management. It acknowledges the efforts of the dam safety bureau in regulating and assessing dam conditions but points out that the bureau lacks the resources and mandate to rehabilitate dams. By establishing a comprehensive program, the memorial aims to protect vital resources, ensure public safety, and mitigate the risks associated with aging dams in New Mexico.