FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Special Projects Officer for the Bureau of Reclamation Albuquerque Area Office, Michelle Estrada-Lopez, attended the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Elephant Butte Irrigation District on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 and delivered some exciting news. Ms. Estrada-Lopez explained to the Board of Directors that the Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with EBID and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation under a cooperative agreement will in part work to fund projects consistent with the EBID vision included in our infrastructure package from last year.

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In that infrastructure package, EBID highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to accomplish a multitude of community-wide goals. The Board's vision involves incorporating watershed restoration and water resource management into existing flood control and water conveyance structures, allowing the capture and control of storm water at higher elevations in watersheds. This approach aims to facilitate managed aquifer recharge, mitigate flooding damage and public safety concerns, and manage sediment/debris while creating resilient natural habitat. The overarching goals are to adapt to shifting hydrology and legal constraints, ensure the region's resilience against drought, and enable the continued success of one of the most economically viable agricultural regions in the West. EBID's vision not only benefits the local community but also aligns with national interests, including food security and economic stability. To take a virtual tour of some of the infrastructure projects highlighted by EBID, click on the web link below!
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EBID's Board is thankful for Bureau of Reclamation's willingness to partner with the Board to take on the challenges currently facing the District.

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Re-Reclaiming the West Virtual Tour:

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1f1557b60b214936b0cc7e0cd213ebbe

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