HOUSE MEMORIAL 96

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Tim D. Lewis

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE MID-REGION COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS TO EXPLORE VARIOUS OPTIONS TO ACQUIRE AND DELIVER WATER TO THE REGION.

     WHEREAS, the city of Rio Rancho and other communities in the middle Rio Grande region are important economic centers for the region and the state; and

     WHEREAS, a secure long-term physical water supply is essential to ensure the economic vitality of the region and the state; and

     WHEREAS, Rio Rancho's and the middle Rio Grande region's population continues to grow, and the demand for water continues to increase; and

     WHEREAS, demand for water in the state is exceeding the available supply, and New Mexicans must get serious at all levels of government to find solutions to predicted water shortages; and

     WHEREAS, the middle Rio Grande region needs the vision and foresight to identify, explore and develop future sources of water;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the mid-region council of governments be requested to explore various options to develop additional water supplies to meet the future needs of the region, including consideration of hydrology, potential environmental impacts and the technology needed to deliver the water and ensure regional water delivery; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state engineer, the interstate stream commission and the department of environment be requested to assist in this investigation to meet water needs of the middle Rio Grande region and other communities along the Rio Grande corridor; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the mid-region council of governments be requested to report its findings to the appropriate committees of the legislature and to interested stakeholders by December 2014; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the mid-region council of governments, the mayor and city council of Rio Rancho, the mayor and city council of Albuquerque, the Bernalillo county commission, the Torrance county commission, the Valencia county commission, the Sandoval county commission, the state engineer, the interstate stream commission and the secretary of environment.

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