New Mexico Statutes Chapter 4. Counties § 4-50-3. Inspection of rivers; construction of works; personnel; contracts for financing

County flood commissioners may inspect rivers and streams in their respective counties where flood waters are liable to cause damage to property or life and in their discretion cause to be constructed and maintained dikes, embankments, dams, ditches or other structures or excavations necessary to control such flood water and protect life and property in their counties against loss and damage. County flood commissioners may employ engineering and other personnel, directly supervise or contract for the construction and maintenance of flood control works and do all other acts necessary to carry into effect the provisions of Sections 4-50-1 through 4-50-9 NMSA 1978. If the money in the county flood fund is insufficient to finance flood control projects and provide for maintenance, the board of county commissioners, upon the recommendation of the county flood commissioner, may contract with any federal or state agency for grants or loans for the purpose of construction and maintenance of dikes, dams, embankments, ditches and other structures and excavations. Any contract for borrowing funds from state or federal agencies may provide that annual installments of principal and interest on the debt shall be paid out of the appropriate account within the county flood fund. The provisions of Sections 6-6-11 through 6-6-18 NMSA 1978 shall not apply to contracts entered into with state or federal agencies for flood control projects under the provisions of this section.