Sec. 81333. Middle Rio Grande Water Conservation
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/bill/116/hr/2/eh/section-81333A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary, in cooperation with a 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 that District by— reducing actual consumptive use; or not increasing the use of water; and to improve the measurement and allocation of water, including water acquired through the water acquisition program established under section 81332.
The Secretary shall provide for the development of a comprehensive plan for the San Acacia and Isleta reaches to plan, design, permit, 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 an efficient and reliable supply of water to the Rio Grande for the benefit of the endangered silvery minnow and Southwestern willow flycatcher; planning, permitting, and construction of a river channel realignment project near the Rio Grande mile-83 for the purpose of conveying water and sediment through the reach to Elephant Butte Reservoir and addressing river channel aggradation while maintaining floodplain connectivity during the snowmelt runoff; 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; and development of a Lower Reach plan— to identify additional projects and maintenance activities with water use, sediment management, and delivery and ecosystem benefits; and to 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.