WATER SECURITY PLANNING ACT FUNDS

HB 423 allocates $30 million for water security planning grants to local governments and regional water entities, $30 million to upgrade state water data systems, and $2 million to enforce Rio Grande water rights along a specific river stretch. It directly affects local water planning groups, the state engineer’s office, and agencies managing New Mexico’s compliance with the Rio Grande Compact. The bill provides funding for fiscal years 2026-2028 (with unspent funds reverting to the general fund by 2028), focusing on creating regional water plans, improving public water data access, and ensuring water delivery obligations to Elephant Butte Reservoir. These provisions aim to strengthen water management infrastructure and legal compliance without altering existing water rights or introducing new regulations.