Thursday, Dec 13 2012 8:51PM

Officials hope a new study will help free up federal funds to build a needed pipeline in New Mexico.

Water officials hope that a new study released by Cannon Air Force Base will lead to more federal funds for Ute pipeline project in New Mexico.

The study addresses the impact of the declining water supply in the Ogallala Aquifer, and officials say that the development of the Ute pipeline may be crucial to providing sufficient water system services to rural residents, according to The Associated Press. At its current rate, the area's water resources won't meet rising future demand. Officials say the new study may allow Congress to see the urgency of the situation and provide funding more quickly.

"It makes it more critical because Cannon Air Force Base is the security of our country," former Clovis, New Mexico, Mayor Gayla Brumfield told the Clovis News Journal. "The special operations mission is vital to this area."

The $500 million Ute project must secure more funding from the federal government to quicken the pace of construction, but officials say they have only received $3 million to date.

In addition to funding issues, the project has experienced several stops and starts. Most recently, construction was held up after the Village of Logan filed a lawsuit against the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Service. The town argued that the area is not zoned for the project. A judge dismissed the lawsuit, noting that the need for water in the area outweighs the zoning concerns.

For more information, check out this resource: The Associated Press, Clovis News Journal