The act aims to streamline the process for local authorities to receive funding and respond to crises effectively. It designates a Bureau of Rural Infrastructure Crisis Response within the state's Department of Finance and Administration to oversee and evaluate financial relief requests. The act also emphasizes the importance of protecting public health and safety by establishing criteria for what constitutes 'critical public infrastructure' and ensures that a portion of severance tax bonding funds is allocated for rural infrastructure projects.
Summary
Senate Bill 27, known as the Rural Infrastructure Crisis Response Act, focuses on addressing the needs of New Mexico's rural public infrastructure in the event of crisis situations. The bill establishes the Rural Infrastructure Crisis Response Fund, which will provide financial assistance for repairing or replacing critical public infrastructure that has been damaged due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters or severe weather conditions. Eligible projects will be evaluated based on their severity and the financial capabilities of the local entities involved.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of funding and the bureaucratic processes involved in securing financial assistance. Critics might argue that the mechanisms for determining eligibility and the appropriations process could delay critical repairs in emergency situations. Furthermore, limiting the funding per county in a single year could mean that communities might not receive enough resources needed during a significant crisis, especially if multiple incidents occur.
Establishes the Information Technology Infrastructure Fee to be assessed on certain state transactions to support the state's information technology infrastructure (OR INCREASE SD RV See Note)