New Mexico Statutes Chapter 72. Water Law § 72-19-20. Implementing powers

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 water courses, watersheds, public highways, life and property in the authority; and

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.