All money derived from the operation of state parks or recreation areas or from the governmental gross receipts tax distributions pursuant to Section 7-1-6.38 NMSA 1978 appropriated to the energy, minerals and natural resources department for state park and recreation capital improvements, or from gifts, donations, bequests or endowments, except as the money may be pledged for the retirement of bonds issued under the State Park and Recreation Bond Act [16-2-20 to 16-2-29 NMSA 1978] or appropriated for state park and recreation purposes by the legislature or acquired from any other source whatsoever, shall not at any time or in any event revert or be transferred to general or other state funds; and such funds shall be used solely for the purpose of acquiring, developing, operating and maintaining state parks or recreation areas and maintenance, operation and expenditures of the state park and recreation division [state parks division] of the energy, minerals and natural resources department, the payment of traveling expenses and salaries of officers, park superintendents and employees and the retirement of state park and recreation bonds. Expenditures shall be made in accordance with budgets approved by the department of finance and administration.
NMS § 16-2-19