New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI,
Issue 14 / July 29, 2025
TITLE
2 PUBLIC FINANCE
CHAPTER
91 GRANTS
PART
3 REVIEW AND SELECTION FOR ANIMAL
WELFARE FUND PROGRAM PROJECTS
2.91.3.1 ISSUING
AGENCY: New
Mexico Department of Finance and Administration.
[2.91.3.1
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.2 SCOPE: This rule
applies to eligible applicants applying for financial assistance from the animal
welfare program fund, including municipalities, counties, Indian nations,
tribes, and pueblos, and qualifying nonprofit organizations within the state of
New Mexico.
[2.91.3.2
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.3 STATUTE AUTHORITY: This rule is
created by Subsection E of Section 9-6-5 NMSA (1978).
[2.91.3.3 NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.4 DURATION: Permanent.
[2.91.3.4 NMAC - N, 07/12/2025]
2.91.3.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 29, 2025,
unless a later date is cited at the end of the section.
[2.91.3.5
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.6 OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
this rule is to establish procedures for the administration, application,
review, award, and oversight of the animal welfare program fund to support
eligible animal welfare projects.
[2.91.3.6
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.7 DEFINITIONS:
B. “Department”
refers to the department of finance and administration, including all its
corresponding divisions.
C. “Eligible entity” refers to a
municipality, county, Indian nation, tribe, pueblo, or nonprofit organization
that is in good standing with the New Mexico department of justice.
D. “Equipment and Supplies” means vehicles, equipment and
tools, computer hardware and software, training materials, and supplies that
are necessary and directly related to supporting animal welfare.
E. “Fund” refers to the animal
welfare program fund established by House Bill 113 of the 2025 legislative
session.
F. “Project” refers to a
proposed initiative aimed at improving the welfare of cats and dogs, eligible
for funding under the animal welfare program.
G. “Underserved communities” refers to geographic areas
or populations that face barriers to access or have limited availability of
animal welfare services. These may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Rural or frontier areas with few or no
animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or animal control services.
(2) Low-income
communities, including those with high rates of poverty, where residents may
lack the resources to obtain basic animal care.
(3) Indian
nation, tribal, or pueblo lands, where jurisdictional complexity or historical
underfunding has limited access to animal services.
(4) Areas with high stray animal
populations, shelter overcrowding, or elevated euthanasia rates.
(5) Communities
historically excluded from state or federal funding for animal welfare
initiatives.
[2.91.3.7
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.8 APPLICATION PROCESS REQUIREMENTS:
A. The department will announce funding availability each
year, depending on appropriations.
B. Applications must be submitted in the
format prescribed by the department. Applications
for funding must include:
(1) description of the project and its
objectives;
(2) a detailed budget and justification
for the project;
(3) a completion timeline with a
procurement plan and proposed project milestones;
(4) demonstration of the organization's
ability to manage the project and adhere to state legal requirements;
(5) a description of internal controls
that help management or employees prevent, detect, and correct issues timely
during their assigned functions.
[2.91.3.8
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.9 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: Eligible
projects must be consistent with one or more of the following:
A. Controlling loose or stray dogs and managing costs through
humane measures.
B. Enforcement of animal cruelty and neglect laws.
C. Reduce intake at animal shelters through community
outreach, pet retention services, and diversion programs.
D. Ensuring accessible spay and neuter services for the
public.
E. Providing temporary housing and care for stray animals
seized by animal control authorities.
F. Development and distribution of public educational
materials on animal welfare.
[2.91.3.9
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.10 REVIEW AND AWARD PROCESS:
A. Each application will be evaluated based on the following
criteria (total 100 points):
(1) alignment with program objectives (30
points);
(2) demonstrated need and community impact
(25 points);
(3) organization capacity and experience
(20 points);
(4) project feasibility and
cost-effectiveness (15 points);
(5) monitoring and evaluation plan (10
points).
B. The department may establish a review
committee composed of a subject matter experts in animal welfare, public
finance, and program evaluation to evaluate applications.
C. Priority will be given to projects
that serve underserved communities and high-need areas.
D. Award notifications will detail funding amounts, reporting
obligations, special conditions, and any other usage limitations.
[2.91.3.10
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.11 REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE:
A. Applicants awarded grants must submit quarterly
reports detailing progress toward project milestones, grant expenditure, and
reimbursement projections.
B. All awarded funds must be expended
within two years of the award date.
C. Failure to comply may result in suspension, termination,
repayment of funds, and disqualification from future awards.
[2.91.3.11
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
2.91.3.12 SEVERABILITY: If any provision
of this rule is found to be invalid, the remaining portions shall remain in
effect.
[2.91.3.13
NMAC - N, 07/29/2025]
HISTORY
OF 2.91.3 NMAC - [RESERVED]