Friday, Jun 28 2013 8:50AM
A new bill may help improve New Mexico's water and wastewater systems.
New Mexico's Senate Appropriations Committee approved a new piece of legislation that was advanced by Sen. Tom Udall, which would provide loans and grants to improve rural water and wastewater systems.
The bill would provide $455 million to help rural communities improve access to water system services and better manage their existing wastewater system infrastructure. In addition, $66.5 million would be specifically set aside for Native American Communities and Colonias.
"While our state faces severe drought and an economy that has not fully recovered from the recession, we must be investing in water and wastewater infrastructure and ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to nutritious food," said Udall.
New Mexico has been hit hard by drought-like conditions in recent months. The well that supplies drinking water to the small village of Magdalena recently ran dry, forcing residents to ration out water bottles as it struggles to find a viable and permanent solution to its critical water shortage.
Other towns in the state are experiencing similar issues, and many wells that feed cattle and support local agriculture have also fallen to dangerously low levels, The Associated Press reports. As a result, many ranchers are being forced to sell their cattle.
For more information, check out these resources: Senator Tom Udall, The Associated Press