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| Wilson’s New Mexico Water Planning Bill Passes House |
April 30, 2008 |
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Provides Federal Support for Comprehensive Planning to Protect Water Resources
Washington, D.C. – The House last night passed the New Mexico Water Planning Assistance Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM), as part of omnibus legislation encompassing many smaller natural resources bills. This bill will help the state develop comprehensive plans to manage water, a precious natural resource to New Mexico and all western states.
The bill authorizes $5 million to develop hydrologic models of eight New Mexico river systems, $2.5 million to complete the hydrologic models for the San Juan River and other Southwest New Mexico river systems, and $4.5 million for statewide digital orthophotography mapping.
The overall bill, S. 2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 has passed the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.
“Water is the lifeblood of the west,” Wilson said. “Like much of the west, the demands on New Mexico’s ground and fresh water resources are immense and growing. This federal support is important to help the state safeguard our most precious natural resource – water.”
This bill, as a stand-alone piece of legislation, had already passed the House earlier this Congress and was then included in the Consolidated Natural Resources Act for expedited consideration through the Senate. It was supported by Senators Domenici and Bingaman as well.
The legislation provides assistance and grants to develop a comprehensive water plans, conduct water resources mapping in New Mexico, and study groundwater resources in New Mexico to assess the amount and quality of groundwater and surface water resources, and how they interact.
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