N.M. Stat. § 73-20-13
Authority.
Subject to the approval of the board of supervisors, the board of directors of a
watershed district shall have power to:
A. request the board of supervisors to levy an annual assessment on the real
property within the watershed district, subject to the requirements provided in
Subsection A of Section 73-20-17 NMSA 1978, for administration, construction,
operation and maintenance of works of improvement within and without the district as
are required by the district in the performance of its functions;
B. acquire by purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise or through condemnation
proceedings in the manner provided in the Eminent Domain Code [42A-1-1 to 42A-1-33
NMSA 1978] property or rights of way necessary for the exercise of any authorized
function of the district; provided that no property or water rights shall be condemned for
the purposes of recreation;
C. construct, improve, operate, contract for and maintain such structures as may be
necessary for the performance of any function authorized by the Watershed District Act;
D. borrow money necessary for the purpose of acquiring rights of way and
establishing, constructing, reconstructing, repairing, enlarging and maintaining the
structures and improvements required by the district in the performance of its functions
and repay these loans with the proceeds of the annual assessment provided for in
Subsection A of this section or by the issuance, negotiation and sale of its bonds as
provided in Section 73-20-14 NMSA 1978; and
E. receive and grant assistance and cooperate with counties, municipalities and
state and federal agencies in carrying out the provisions of the Watershed District Act.