Acequia leaders from New Mexico are gathering at the State Capitol on Tuesday, February 11, to push for clean water and funding for essential infrastructure and disaster recovery. “Acequias are vital to our future,” said Harold Trujillo, president of the New Mexico Acequia Association. He highlighted their importance in supporting local agriculture and preserving cultural heritage.
On Acequia Day, these leaders will meet with state legislators to advocate for their budget and legislative priorities. In the Taos Valley alone, about 54 acequias provide crucial irrigation for crops, help recharge groundwater, and support local wildlife habitats, enriching the beautiful landscape familiar to Taos residents and visitors.
Acequias function as democratic institutions that have existed in New Mexico long before the state was founded. Paula Garcia, the executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association, mentioned that several important bills are currently introduced in the state’s 60-day legislative session that relate to acequia culture.
One key proposal is House Bill 330, which aims to create a dedicated trust fund for infrastructure projects related to land grants and acequias. This bill is backed by state representatives and senators, including Miguel Garcia and Javier Martinez. Another important initiative is Senate Bill 208, which seeks to increase funding for planning and building acequia projects.
Additionally, acequia leaders aim to strengthen the New Mexico Acequia Commission’s ability to advise policymakers on acequia matters. They also support measures to ensure clean water across the state. Two notable pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 21 and Senate Bill 22, aim to improve water quality by establishing a state surface water permitting system and addressing gaps in federal clean water regulations. These bills are sponsored by notable state senators and representatives.
Acequia Day will feature visits with lawmakers and a “shovel power” march around the Capitol, symbolizing the importance of acequias. There will also be a program with speakers and performers in the Roundhouse rotunda during the noon hour, and everyone is welcome to join the celebration.
Check out this related article: Massachusetts Secures Federal Funding: What It Means for Environmental Projects’ Uncertain Future
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