The governor shall, within thirty days after this act [this section] becomes effective, appoint a commissioner who shall represent the state of New Mexico on the commission provided for by Article 5 of the Pecos River Compact [72-15-19 NMSA 1978] between the states of New Mexico and Texas. Such commissioner shall be charged with the administration of the provisions of said compact and shall have the power to discharge the duties prescribed by the terms of said compact. Such commissioner shall serve for a term of two years from and after the date of his appointment and until a successor, who shall serve for a like term, is appointed and qualified. Until otherwise provided by law, he shall receive a salary of $300.00 each month. He shall be allowed his actual expenses when travelling in the discharge of his duties. He shall have authority to meet and confer with the Texas member of the commission at such points within the states of New Mexico and Texas or elsewhere as the commission may see fit. He may make such investigations and appoint such engineering, legal and clerical aid as may be necessary to protect the state of New Mexico and to carry out and enforce the terms of said compact and may fix their salaries and necessary expenses. He may incur necessary office expenses and other expenses incident to the proper performance of his duties and the proper administration of the Pecos River Compact. Such commissioner shall not incur any financial obligation on behalf of the state of New Mexico until the legislature shall have provided and appropriated money therefor. The salary of the commissioner and all expenses incurred by him in the performance of his official duties including the salaries and expenses of the commission employees shall be paid by the state treasurer on vouchers submitted by the commissioner out of moneys appropriated for such purposes by the legislature.

History: 1978 Comp., § 72-15-22, enacted by Laws 1949, ch. 128, § 1.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 78 Am. Jur. 2d Waterworks and Water Companies § 4.

94 C.J.S. Waters § 315.