Dear Editor:

The Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA) provides New Mexico with up to 14,000 acre-feet of water per year and up to $128 million that can be used to develop projects that use that water.

After many years of discussion among the stakeholders, during which consensus could not be reached, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) accepted more than 50 proposals for using the water.  Using a balanced and fair evaluation system, the 50 projects were narrowed down to sixteen.  One proposal was dropped, leaving 15 proposals for using the water on the table.  The NMISC is continuing to evaluate those proposals and requires time to complete the work already commissioned.

We live, work and farm on the Gila River.  Our families have been in this area since the middle 1870’s.  We have a history and have developed a unique culture in this River basin.  At the present time there is not sufficient water available for us to use the rights we are now allocated.

The riparian areas of the River can only benefit from a more consistent flow of water.  Because of the stewardship and husbandry of the farmers in the Gila Basin, one of the largest populations of the Southwest Willow Fly-Catcher is located on the Gila River.  The environment necessary to support the Spikedace and Loach minnows would benefit from a more constant flow of water in the River.  These projects would be located below the Gila Wilderness Area and would in no way impact the Gila Wilderness Area.

The economy of the Gila River Basin has suffered greatly in the last few years.  There is no longer a local market where basic milk and bread can be purchased.  There is no longer a café or restaurant where a meal can be enjoyed.  The comment has been made that we could not afford this water.  What is the price of water necessary to sustain life?

The word diversion appears to be the stumbling block in this equation.  There is no proposal, nor is there any intention, to put a dam on the Gila River.  The water will be taken from the River during high water events, stored, then distributed when and where it is needed.  Only 7% of the total flow of the River will be affected on only 10% of days of the year.  During the high water event of February 2006, the entire 14,000 acre-feet of water could have been captured in one hour and ten minutes.

It would be irresponsible and a travesty to allow this new water to continue to flow to Arizona.  It would be immoral to allow this water to be used to satisfy a lawsuit with Texas.  This is a priceless natural resource.  If we do not take advantage of this opportunity, we will find there will never be another. 

Please WAIT! It's about the water!

Sincerely,

Donnie & Linda Stailey

Member: Gila Farm Irrigation Association

Member: Fort West Irrigation Association

Member: Gila Basin Irrigation Commission

Alternate Member: Gila-San Francisco Water Commission