N.M. Stat. § 72-17-20
Implementing powers.
The board may:
A. acquire, improve, equip, maintain and operate any project or facility for the
control of flood and storm waters of the authority and the flood and storm waters of
streams which have their sources outside of the authority but which streams and the
flood waters thereof flow into the authority;
B. protect from such floods or storm waters the watercourses, watersheds, public
highways, life and property in the authority;
C. exercise the right of eminent domain, either within or without the authority, in the
manner provided by law for the condemnation of private property for public use.