River Currents Issue #14, February 2010

Arizona Water Settlements Act Update: Stakeholders Discuss Potential Projects under AWSA

In late November, stakeholders from throughout southwestern New Mexico submitted project ideas for consideration under the Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA) planning process. The on-going effort brings together stakeholders from throughout the region to determine how to utilize federal subsidy dollars and possibly Gila River water under the AWSA. Submission of projects was the latest step in the planning process that will assess the region’s future need for water and evaluate supply and demand management alternatives to meet that identified need.

Convening monthly since October of 2007, the group has made significant progress forward:

  • Developed a Process Framework that outlines the AWSA planning process and guides the efforts of the Stakeholder Group;
  • Identified Desired Future Conditions that reflect perceived problems related to water supply;
  • Developed planning objectives;
  • Completed a preliminary supply analysis;
  • Compiled a catalog of existing technical information and reports;
  • Held forums on economics and science to outline issues for analyses to be conducted through the planning process.
  • Developed preliminary evaluation criteria to use in evaluating alternatives for their ability to meet identified needs.

Stakeholders met on December 16 to review and discuss submitted projects based on eight evaluation criteria, such as compliance with the AWSA, whether the project meets a water supply demand, economic viability, and political and public acceptance among others. The Gila Conservation Coalition submitted a set of projects for consideration that can meet the region’s future water supply while maintaining the instream flow of the Gila River. These non-diversion alternatives, such as municipal and agricultural conservation and sustainable groundwater development, meet the region’s needs at lowest cost and keep the Gila River intact.

There was much agreement on broad categories of projects such as agricultural and municipal conservation, infrastructure improvements, and watershed restoration as measured by the number of projects submitted by different stakeholders in these three categories. The Gila Basin Irrigation Commission was the only entity that submitted a project to build a Gila River diversion and offstream storage facility. There were also a couple proposals for main-stem dams on the Gila. Visit www.awsaplanning.com for the project descriptions.

No ranking of projects was done as originally envisioned as many of the project submittals did not provide sufficient information for evaluation. Moreover, without an understanding of supply and demand, it is premature to develop appropriate projects if the water supply need has not been characterized. A demand study is expected to be completed by June 30 and, in combination with the supply information, will allow for assessment of the region’s future water needs.

Stakeholders agreed to discuss at its next meeting related projects, outline possibilities for combining projects and identify missing information that is necessary for project evaluation.

Over the course of the next year, the planning process will compare projects and strategies and screen them to a shortened list of projects to be assessed in more detail. After more in-depth analysis, the group will identify a final set of projects and strategies that will move forward to the Interstate Stream Commission and Governor for consideration.

Upcoming AWSA Implementation/Technical Committee and Stakeholders Group Meeting February 18 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm at the Grant County Administration Building

The next Implementation/Technical committees and Stakeholders Group meeting will be a series of workshops to further evaluate proposals, discuss possibilities for combining projects and identify missing information needed for project evaluation. Workshops will be held on the following topics during two hour blocks.

Water Conservation: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Water Infrastructure: 10:45 am – 12:45 pm
Watershed Restoration: 1:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Western Institute for Lifelong Learning presents
Arizona Water Settlements Act: The Basics.

February 18th, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Global Resource Center Auditorium, Silver City

A FREE water issues forum open to the general public! The purpose of this event is to educate the general public about the AWSA, and get them more involved in the planning process. Water issues to be addressed are: 1) Why AWSA is important to residents of Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Catron counties, 2) How citizens can get involved in the process, and why they should, 3) Where the AWSA stands now, and where it is headed.

Opening remarks by WILL President, Patty Reed and moderated by D. Matthew Runnels. Featured panelists representing diverse opinions, expertise and interests include: Peter T. White, Santa Fe Attorney and water issues expert; Charles “Tink” Jackson, Office of the New Mexico State Engineer; Allyson Siwik, Gila Conservation Coalition; Hugh B. McKeen, Glenwood Rancher and Catron County Commissioner; Anthony Gutierrez, Grant County Planner.

6th Annual Gila River Festival Planning Underway

The Gila Conservation Coalition, the Upper Gila Watershed Alliance, Western Institute for Lifelong Learning, Gila Conservation Education Center, SWNM Audubon Society and partners have begun planning for the 6th annual Gila River Festival. Held September 16 – 19, this year’s theme is “Conserving the Gila’s Web of Life” and will focus on Gila River biodiversity and conservation. If you’d like to be a presenter at this year’s festival or want to join the planning committee, please contact Donna Stevens, Gila River Festival coordinator at 575-590-5698. The festival planning committee meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be March 17 at 10 am in the GRIP/GCC office at 305A North Cooper St.