A. The preservation, protection and maintenance of the natural and scenic beauty of a designated portion of the Rio Grande and its immediate corridor is in the public interest. The designation of the Rio Grande Valley state park will enable people to enjoy the recreational, environmental, educational and wildlife benefits of the river. Therefore, the legislature declares it to be in the public interest, in furtherance of sound environmental policy and for the good of the people to establish the Rio Grande Valley state park.
B. It is the intent of the Rio Grande Valley State Park Act [ 16-4-9 to 16-4-17 NMSA 1978] that the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department not bear the operating costs for the Rio Grande Valley state park except for the area within the Rio Grande nature center state park. The state may expend funds within the boundaries of the entire Rio Grande Valley state park as it deems appropriate.