The Interstate Stream Commission will hear from experts and advocates as a deadline approaches for deciding what to do with New Mexico's share of the Gila River.
The commission is meeting Tuesday in Albuquerque. The agenda includes presentations on the economic, recreational and cultural implications of diverting part of the river.
The commission has until the end of the year to make a decision.
New Mexico has rights to some of the Gila and one of its tributaries under a 2004 settlement with Arizona.
If New Mexico doesn't use the water, it will flow into Arizona and the state will forgo millions of dollars in federal funds for construction of a diversion project. However, critics say a diversion project could result in more costs and higher water bills for customers.
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