Sec. 4. Water conservation
345 words·~2 min read·
/bill/113/s/2470/is/section-4A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary, in cooperation with the District and in consultation with the Pueblos, may provide funding and technical assistance for the installation of metering and measurement devices and the construction of check structures on irrigation diversions, canals, laterals, ditches, and drains— to ensure the conservation and efficient use of water within the District by reducing actual consumptive use or not increasing the use of water; and to improve the measurement and allocation of water acquired through the water acquisition program established under section 3.
The Secretary shall provide for development of a comprehensive plan for the San Acacia reach to plan, design, construct and prioritize projects that balance river maintenance, water availability, use, and delivery, and ecosystem benefits, including— planning, permitting, and construction of a pumping station at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for the purpose of more efficiently using water to provide— a stable supply for the Refuge; and additional water to the Rio Grande for the benefit of the endangered silvery minnow and Southwestern willow flycatcher; planning, permitting, and construction of a channel realignment project near the Rio Grande mile-83 for the purpose addressing channel aggradation while maintaining floodplain connectivity; planning, permitting, and construction of a controlled outlet for the low flow conveyance channel to the Rio Grande between Fort Craig, New Mexico and Rio Grande mile-60 for the purpose of water use and delivery, enhancement and development of habitat areas, and possible creation of a single-channel river ecosystem; planning, permitting, and modification or possible removal of the San Acacia Diversion Dam for purposes of reducing habitat fragmentation and securing fish passage, including channel restoration as necessary, while ensuring adequate water supplies for irrigators; and development of a San Acacia reach study to identify additional projects and maintenance activities with water use and delivery and ecosystem benefits and prioritize implementation of all projects and activities.
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a process for public participation and comment during plan development and alternative analysis. There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $18,000,000.