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Pearce Applauds Next Step In Gila Diversion Review

Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM 2)

  Commentary– U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce issued this statement following the Department of the Interior’s approval of the New Mexico Central Arizona Project (CAP) Unit.

“Today is a great day for Grant, Luna, and Hildago counties.  I want to congratulate the New Mexico Entity and the Interstate Stream Commission for all their fine efforts that preceded today’s approval.   Without their collaboration and negotiation this Agreement would not be possible.”

 

The New Mexico Unit is a result of the Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA) of 2004.  AWSA authorizes that New Mexico will receive an additional 14,000 acre-feet of water from the Gila Basin while authorizing $66 million annually from the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund to be paid over a 10-year period. Another $200 million will be made available when construction on the project begins.

Approval of the New Mexico Unit was a collaborative effort, “ I want to thank Interior Deputy Secretary Mike Connor and the Bureau of Reclamation for their foresight in approving the Unit.  This fiscally and environmentally sound project is extremely important to the people of Southwest New Mexico and when completed will ensure an additional 14,000 acre-feet of water, a 50% increase over what is legally available today.”

“There are still several environmental studies to be conducted before construction can begin, but today’s approval by the Department of the Interior is a crucial first step.”