House Passes Legislation to Create Trust Fund for Land Grant-Merced and Acequia Infrastructure

HB 371 would provide reliable funding for water and infrastructure projects statewide

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Land Grant-Merced and Acequia Infrastructure Act, which would create a long-term infrastructure fund for acequias and land grant-mercedes across the state. 

House Bill 371, passed by a vote of 63-2, would establish a state trust fund to build long-term revenue for land grant-merced and acequia infrastructure, while also creating a short-term mechanism to help meet the immediate infrastructure needs in these communities. The funding would build up until 2031 or the fund reaches $175 million in annual bonding capacity. This legislation would also improve the distribution process to get these dollars to work on shovel-ready local infrastructure projects across the state. 

“Land grants and acequias are vital to the heritage and the future of New Mexico. This legislation creates a long-overdue source of predictable funding for the land grants and acequias to sustain their precious water supply, natural environment, and critical services,” said lead sponsor Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), who also serves as Chair of the House Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee. “Rather than relying on limited capital outlay appropriations, HB 371 provides these centuries-old communities with the stability and cultural preservation they deserve.”

New Mexico is home to over 700 acequias that sustain agricultural communities across the state. There are also over 27 land grant-mercedes across the state that support a variety of local resources, including community centers, parks, housing projects, drinking water and wastewater systems, fire departments, and museums. 

HB 371 now moves to the Senate. The bill is also sponsored by Senators Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas), and Leo Jaramillo (D-Española), Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and Representative Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces). 
The Roundhouse will be open to the public for the entirety of this year’s 30-day session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.   

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