New Mexico Statutes Chapter 9. Executive Department § 9-25-12. Cooperation with the federal government; authority of secretary; single state agency status

A. The department is authorized to cooperate with the federal government in the administration of higher education programs in which financial or other participation by the federal government is authorized or mandated under state or federal laws, rules or orders. The secretary may enter into agreements with agencies of the federal government to implement higher education programs subject to availability of appropriated state funds and any provisions of state laws applicable to such agreements or participation by the state.

B. The governor or the secretary may by appropriate order designate the department or any organizational unit of the department as the single state agency for the administration of any higher education program when that designation is a condition of federal financial or other participation in the program under applicable federal law, rule or order. Whether or not a federal condition exists, the governor may designate the department or any organizational unit of the department as the single state agency for the administration of any federally funded higher education program not targeted for specific post-secondary educational institutions. No designation of a single state agency under the authority granted in this section shall be made in contravention of state law.