Pull the Plug on New Mexico’s Gila River Water Diversion Project

Statement of Danielle Brian, Executive Director, Project On Government Oversight:

New Mexico’s plan to use federal money to dam the Gila River and divert the water into reservoirs is not only ill conceived, it’s a highly questionable use of a billion dollars in taxpayer money. It’s time to scuttle this project.

We believe the Gila River Diversion Project should be reevaluated and replaced with a more cost-effective and scientifically sound alternative, which could provide more water for New Mexico farmers and residents than the current plan.

The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) published an analysis today that questions the need for the escalating costs of this project. Ultimately the plan could drastically hike up the price of water for the region’s residents. For Deming, New Mexico, this could mean an increase of more than $100 to their monthly water bills.

New Mexico’s Interstate Stream Commission did the public a disservice by crafting a plan over budget for a project originally meant to take advantage of $128 million in federal funds. We believe the state should look at better alternatives. We urge the Department of the Interior to reject the Gila River Diversion Project.

Follow the link to read POGO’s analysis.