SENATE MEMORIAL 8

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Michael Padilla

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A MEETING TO MAXIMIZE THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE WATER SUPPLY.

     WHEREAS, the recent drought events within the middle Rio Grande have demonstrated the need for creative solutions to maximize the water supply; and

     WHEREAS, use of water in agriculture in conjunction with other uses, including municipal and environmental, could be supported by improved methods of water storage and regulation of water flow rates from all sources, including imported surface water, native water and ground water; and

     WHEREAS, a number of existing institutions currently regulate the middle Rio Grande, including the Rio Grande Compact, laws relating to pueblo Indian water rights, rules governing historic uses, environmental laws, contemporary state laws and The Conservancy Act of New Mexico; and  

     WHEREAS, it is vital to evaluate and understand all short- and long-term options for development of water supplies within the middle Rio Grande and to promote collaboration among all of its existing water users; and

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico would benefit from a study of all options for maximizing the water supply, providing for conservation in its use among agriculture, industries, environmental groups and public and private utilities;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that a meeting be sponsored and jointly conducted by the middle Rio Grande conservancy district and the mid- region council of governments and attended by the office of the state engineer, the interstate stream commission, water experts from industry, representatives from acequias, Indian pueblos and others with special expertise. Based upon the proceedings of the meeting, the sponsors shall jointly prepare a candidate list of options for reporting back to the legislature at the second session of the fifty-first legislature; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the middle Rio Grande conservancy district, the mid-region council of governments, the office of the state engineer and the interstate stream commission.

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