News Release Archive

Statement of Commissioner John Keys On Proposed Silvery Minnow Agreement

Media Contact: Trudy Harlow, (202) 513-0574, 09/10/2003 21:55

For Release: September 10, 2003

I want to congratulate the State of New Mexico for its contribution in bringing diverse interests together to look for ways to identify the issues surrounding supply and use of Middle Rio Grande Basin water. As indicated at our recent Water 2025 conference in Albuquerque, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation continue to support local collaborative solutions that bring all parties to the table. The State's effort has identified the range of issues to be addressed and lays the foundation for further discussions among all interested stakeholders. We look forward to taking an active role in future negotiations towards a collaborative solution in the Middle Rio Grande Basin.

Because the issues are complex, time is needed to analyze the agreement's components. The State's efforts provide a valuable foundation for continuing discussions over water use in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. We look forward to cooperating with State and local entities to continue this dialogue.

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