New Mexico Rio Grande Basin Pueblos Irrigation Infrastructure

Rehabilitate and repair irrigation infrastructure of the Rio Grande Pueblos to conserve water and help address potential conflicts over water in the Rio Grande Basin.

Under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Congress authorized $4 million to conduct a study of the irrigation infrastructure within the 18 Rio Grande pueblos, and $6 million in each of ten subsequent years to address identified infrastructure improvements. The Act required a study report to be submitted to Congress including a list of projects recommended for implementation. Initially, detailed physical surveys of the existing irrigation infrastructure at each pueblo were completed. Most of the surveys have now been completed but remaining areas will be surveyed as specific project need arises. The study report identified nearly $280 million in irrigation improvements, at a 2017 pricing level, needed on pueblo lands. These improvements are important to the Tribal economies, to preserving their cultural traditions for future generations, and to maximize water conservation in the Rio Grande Basin. The report was finalized in June 2022 and submitted to Congress by the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Since that time, the program has received consistent funding and projects continue to be implemented on tribal lands throughout the Rio Grande Basin. While the authorizing legislation expired in 2019, it continues to be extended annually within Reclamation's budget pending long-term reauthorization.

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Government-18 New Mexico Rio Grande Pueblos only: Taos, Picuris, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, Tesuque, Pojoaque, Nambe, Cochiti, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Sandia, Isleta, Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, Zia.

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Government-18 New Mexico Rio Grande Pueblos only: Taos, Picuris, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, Tesuque, Pojoaque, Nambe, Cochiti, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Sandia, Isleta, Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, Zia.

Funding may be used for Irrigation Infrastructure projects identified in the Irrigation Infrastructure Report for the Rio Grande Pueblos. (US Bureau of Reclamation, 2022).

Grants and cooperative agreements are normally written for a 1 to 5 year period with funding provided only for the current year.

Environmental compliance for this program will be required depending on the scope of the specific project funded. Most environmental compliance is expected to be categorical exclusions. A few may result in the need for an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement prior to the commencement of project activities.

Criteria are listed in the authorizing legislation.

Proposed irrigation rehabilitation projects qualify and are prioritized based on eligibility requirements set forth in the authorizing legislation.

Approval of the study by Congress will depend on how quickly Congress acts. Approval of individual rehabilitation projects varies depending on the amount and timing of funding appropriated by Congress.

Funding is available until all currently appropriated funds have been expended for this program. Additional funding for the program is at the discretion of Congress.