72-14A-5: Regional water planning entities.

A. An entity shall not be made a part of a proposal for planning funds under this section without that entity's consent.

B. The outcomes sought by each regional water planning entity shall:

(1) be established through broad public input;

(2) consider public welfare values, balancing water uses and the needs of future generations of New Mexicans;

(3) be grounded in state water law;

(4) be developed using the best available science;

(5) recognize and respect federally recognized or reserved tribal water rights;

(6) consider access to water for domestic use; and

(7) comply with applicable federal water law.

C. Each regional water planning entity shall:

(1) be composed of regional stakeholders as identified in the entity's guidelines;

(2) ensure opportunities for participation by Indian nations, tribes or pueblos located within the water planning region;

(3) obtain public input in the development, vetting and prioritization of regional water planning activities and proposals;

(4) assist in the funding, development and incorporation of plans for rural communities;

(5) report to the commission by June 30 of each year on the progress of planning activities and outcomes of regional water security plan implementation; and

(6) review existing water plans and data sets of municipalities, counties and other entities within the water planning region and use them as appropriate.