rural new mexico pipeline project gets tentative funding

After hoping for years, residents in a small rural enclave of Aztec, New Mexico may finally be on the verge of obtaining potable water via a pipeline.

Members of the New Mexico State Legislature have voted to approve more than $18 million in capital outlay funding for a variety of projects in San Juan County.

Of that amount, some $2 million will go to fund the construction of an 8-mile long pipeline that will connect the East Culpepper Flats with a water distribution system run by the North Star Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association.

As it now stands, water to the subdivision is hauled in by a truck capable of transporting up to 2,000 gallons from a standing tank that holds around 32,000 gallons of water.

The pipeline project, which would be built near Country Road 1350 and New Mexico State Road 574, has been regarded as a priority item in need of state dollars for several years by San Juan County officials.

An earlier capital outlay approved by state lawmakers provided funding for the pipeline project’s design.
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The $2 million construction outlay must still be approved by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

By Garry Boulard

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