News Release Archive

Reclamation Provides $5.2 Million in Emergency Drought Assistance in New Mexico and Arizona

Media Contact: Lisa Iams, (801) 524-3673

For Release: December 19, 2007

As drought conditions continue to create severe water shortages throughout many New Mexico and Arizona communities, pueblos, and water cooperatives, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Robert Johnson announced $5.2 million in emergency drought relief assistance will be provided to drill 12 wells.

"These funds will provide much-needed relief to some of the areas most affected by the continuing drought," Johnson said. "We anticipate these new wells will minimize the potential for significant damages by keeping water flowing to these communities."

A total of $1.9 million will be dedicated to drilling four wells for New Mexico water associations; $1.7 million will be dedicated to drilling four wells for New Mexico Indian Pueblos through the Indian Health Service; $910,000 will be dedicated to drilling wells for the New Mexico cities of Carlsbad and Eunice; and $637,000 will be dedicated to drilling two Navajo Nation wells in Arizona.

Reclamation responds to drought emergencies using its authority under the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991. Funds were made available for these well projects under the Supplemental Appropriations Act signed on May 27, 2007.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.