A. It is the intent of the legislature to authorize municipalities to:

(1)     obtain the benefits of a natural gas supply, additional supply or supply of geothermal energy for their inhabitants and others within five miles of the municipal boundary;

(2)     take proper steps and actions necessary to that end by the acquisition of a natural gas or geothermal system;

(3)     finance the acquisition of the natural gas or geothermal system through the issuance of bonds; and

(4)     operate and manage a natural gas association, in which it was an organizer, organized by two or more municipalities pursuant to Sections 3-28-1 through 3-28-19 N.M. Stat. Ann. if the operating municipality finds that the association can no longer maintain adequate service. The terms and conditions of the operation and management by the municipality shall be set forth in a joint powers agreement between the municipality and the association.

B. N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 3, Article 25 shall be liberally construed in conformity with the intent of this section.