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Senate Committee To Hear Bills Related To Gila River Diversion

NMFO

Santa Fe, NM – On Thursday at 2:00 PM, the Senate Conservation Committee is scheduled to hear SB542SB455, and SB461 in Room 311.  

These bills, introduced by a bi-partisan group of Senators including Sen. Sander Rue, Sen. Joseph Cervantes and Sen. Howie Morales would provide legislative oversight of the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC).  Advocates say the bills would provide fiscal responsibility and transparency in the ISC’s Gila River planning process while also ensuring that taxpayer dollars are invested now on cost-effective community water projects.

In November of 2014, the Interstate Stream Commission voted to move forward with planning for a Gila River diversion project under the Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA).

Opponents say a diversion project will produce little water at enormous costs—estimated by some at over $1 billion—and will negatively impact the hydrology and ecology of the Gila River. 

Supporters say the diversion project is needed due to the limited water supply in the area.

SB461 (Morales) would direct $77 million in AWSA funding to priority community water projects to meet future water needs in southwest New Mexico instead of constructing the Gila River diversion project.