Bill > HB539

This bill establishes the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority as a new special district and political subdivision in New Mexico, with a board of seven elected directors who are water consumers within the authority's service area. The board will be elected through local elections, with staggered terms and vacancies filled by the remaining board members. The authority will have broad powers to manage water and wastewater services, including the ability to sue and be sued, enter into contracts, borrow money, issue revenue bonds, acquire property, design and construct water systems, and exercise limited eminent domain powers. The board will have specific non-delegable powers such as adopting rules, ratifying property acquisitions, initiating legal actions, setting rates, and issuing bonds. The authority will be independent of the city of Sunland Park and Dona Ana County, not subject to the Public Regulation Commission or Public Utility Act, and will replace a previous joint powers agreement entity. The bill also specifies detailed provisions for bond issuance, including bond characteristics, sales methods, and tax exemptions, with bonds having a maximum maturity of 50 years and the ability to be sold at public or negotiated sales. The authority is required to follow procurement and eminent domain codes and has specific limitations on water rights acquisition and usage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=539&year=25