Udall, Heinrich Announce $1.7 Million for Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the Bureau of Reclamation will provide $1.7 million for the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Project. Combined with previously enacted FY 2014 funding, these additional funds bring the total available for the project to over $2.3 million. The funding will be used to continue construction at the Ute Resevoir, which will supply water to the communities of Clovis, Elida, Grady, Melrose, Portales and Texico, and reduce unsustainable groundwater use from the Ogallala Aquifer.

The Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Project involves the construction of a pipeline from the Ute lake to transport water to a number of communities for municipal, commercial and industrial use. Udall and Heinrich have continued to support funding for the project throughout its development. 

"The Eastern New Mexico Water Supply project is an important investment in the health and economy of Curry and Roosevelt counties, the future of Cannon Air Force Base, and the long-term vitality of the Ogallala Aquifer," Udall said. "I was proud to fight for this funding as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I'll continue to work to ensure the federal government fulfills its responsibilities for the Ute Pipeline project." 

“Funding for the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Project helps address the declines in the Ogallala Aquifer by supporting the construction of a pipeline from Ute Lake to bring much-needed drinking water to Roosevelt and Curry Counties, and Cannon Air Force Base," Heinrich said. "The water supply made available through this project is essential to the health and well being of our communities in eastern New Mexico and I will continue to work to ensure these critical investments in our state's infrastructure continue.”

Gayla Brumfield, Chairwoman of the of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority said, “I think it is really exciting that the project is moving forward. I am very happy to report that federal government supports this project and funding continues to increase. I want to thank our delegation who has done a tremendous job in making sure that this project, which is so important to the eastern side of the state, gets built.”