Legislation will help to clarify water rights in N.M.(Business)

Byline: Nancy Salem nsalem@abtrib.com / 823-3675

LEGISLATURE 2001

Water was "the quiet success" of the Legislature, a state senator says.

"We moved New Mexico into a much better position," said Sen. Sue Wilson. "Gambling, taxes and concealed weapons got the attention while all of this very substantial water legislation was being worked out."

Eileen Grevey Hillson of the New Mexico chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties said supporters of active water management in New Mexico were not disappointed.

"Water seemed to be on everybody's radar screen," she said. "I think the Legislature took a visionary leadership role in providing monies to protect New Mexico's water for New Mexicans."

Hillson, who chairs NAIOP's water task force, said some water initiatives did not pass but those that did "will help us get our arms around who owns what water where."

Under SB 508, sponsored by Sen. Manny Aragon, an Albuquerque Democrat, the state Engineer's Office will get $5 million for water rights …