New Mexico's most powerful water planning commission is set to vote Monday on how to manage the state's share of the Gila River.
The Interstate Stream Commission's vote comes after more than 200 meetings and complaints about transparency.
The commission is facing a Dec. 31 deadline for deciding whether to accept federal funds to build a diversion and storage system along the Gila.
Under a 2004 settlement with Arizona, New Mexico is entitled to an average of about 4.5 billion gallons a year. Up to $128 million in federal funding would be available if the state builds a diversion system, or about half that if other water projects are pursued.
Supporters say New Mexico has a rare chance to develop a new source of water, but critics say the price tag of diversion could reach $1 billion.
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