News and Articles
11/19/2010
Senate Approves Aamodt Settlement
Senate Approves Aamodt Settlement
Santa Fe – November 19, 2010– Today the United States Senate passed legislation approving the Aamodt Water Rights Settlement. In addition to approving the settlement agreement, the legislation appropriates over $81 million in direct spending to implement the settlement.
“This is a great historic day for the Pojoaque Valley,” said Santa Fe County Commission Chair Harry Montoya. “The Senate’s action today is a huge step forward for the water future for all residents of the basin. Once the legislation is enacted into law, Santa Fe County will work hard with the other parties in the Aamodt case to quickly and fairly implement the settlement.”
The bill contained an appropriation of $81.8 million, including $56.4 million for the regional water system, $5.4 million to purchase a portion of the County’s Top of the World water rights, and $20 million for the Pueblo Operation, maintenance, repair and replacement (OMRR&R) fund. The bill also authorized the remaining $92.5 million to complete the project, which included an additional $50 million for the regional water system.