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Upper Colorado Region
Salt Lake City, Utah
Media Contact:
Lisa Iams
(801) 524-3673

Released On: December 19, 2007

Reclamation Provides $5.2 Million in Emergency Drought Assistance in New Mexico and Arizona
As drought conditions continue to create severe water shortages throughout many New Mexico and Arizona communities, pueblos, and water cooperatives, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Robert Johnson announced $5.2 million in emergency drought relief assistance will be provided to drill 12 wells.

"These funds will provide much-needed relief to some of the areas most affected by the continuing drought," Johnson said. "We anticipate these new wells will minimize the potential for significant damages by keeping water flowing to these communities."

A total of $1.9 million will be dedicated to drilling four wells for New Mexico water associations; $1.7 million will be dedicated to drilling four wells for New Mexico Indian Pueblos through the Indian Health Service; $910,000 will be dedicated to drilling wells for the New Mexico cities of Carlsbad and Eunice; and $637,000 will be dedicated to drilling two Navajo Nation wells in Arizona.

Reclamation responds to drought emergencies using its authority under the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991. Funds were made available for these well projects under the Supplemental Appropriations Act signed on May 27, 2007.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.