New Mexico Celebrates $15M Federal Investment in Acequias

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a $15 million initiative to support acequias in New Mexico and Colorado through partnerships with conservation district associations. This funding aims to assist local communities in maintaining and improving their traditional irrigation systems.

Paula Garcia, executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association, expressed enthusiasm about the funding, calling it a significant development for the state. The funding will be available to groups of parciantes (acequia operators), who can apply through their local conservation districts. Garcia highlighted the need for financial support to construct small diversion structures, or dams, which divert water from rivers into the acequia systems.

Acequias, which have been a vital part of Southwestern life for centuries, are experiencing increased attention as communities focus on maintaining and repairing these systems. Garcia noted that more people are recognizing the importance of keeping acequias operational and efficient for future generations.

The new funding comes through the USDA’s Water-Saving Commodities Program, aimed at improving agricultural practices while reducing water waste in the Western U.S. Alongside New Mexico’s acequias, other irrigation projects in the region, such as the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project and the Elephant Butte Irrigation District, will also benefit from the initiative. This program reflects a growing recognition of the critical role these traditional water management systems play in sustainable agriculture and water conservation in the West.

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