2011 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 3: Municipalities
Article 18: Powers of Municipalities, 3-18-1 through 3-18-32
Section 3-18-10: Power of eminent domain; purposes; proceedings.

3-18-10. Power of eminent domain; purposes; proceedings.

A. Both within the municipal boundary and for a distance not extending beyond the planning and platting jurisdiction of the municipal boundary, a municipality has the power and right of condemnation of private property for public use for the purpose of:

(1) laying out, opening and widening streets, alleys and highways or their approaches; or

(2) constructing, maintaining and operating:

(a) storm drains; or

(b) garbage and refuse disposal areas and plants.

B. A municipality may acquire by eminent domain any property within the municipality:

(1) for park purposes;

(2) to establish cemeteries or mausoleums or to acquire existing cemeteries or mausoleums; or

(3) for the purpose of correcting obsolete or impractical planning and platting of subdivisions. For the purpose of this paragraph, "obsolete or impractical planning and platting" applies only to property that:

(a) was platted prior to 1971;

(b) has remained vacant and unimproved; and

(c) threatens the health, safety and welfare of persons or property due to erosion, flooding and inadequate drainage.

C. Condemnation proceedings pursuant to this section shall be in the manner provided by law.