Pew Applauds New Mexico Governor and Legislature for Funding Critical Water Programs

WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts today applauded New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and state lawmakers for approving critical funding to protect the state’s rivers and water supply through investments in the River Stewardship Program, the New Mexico Environment Department, and the Strategic Water Reserve.

The approved budget includes $10 million for the River Stewardship Program and $13 million for the Strategic Water Reserve—the state’s largest investments in these freshwater conservation and restoration programs to date. The new funding will strengthen the state’s ability to keep water in rivers and support healthy freshwater ecosystems while respecting existing water rights and supporting local economies. Outdoor recreation across the state supports over 29,000 jobs, and fishing and boating alone contributes more than $92 million in state and local taxes.

The River Stewardship Program supports locally driven efforts to restore and maintain river flows and watershed health. The program enables the state and its partners to fund, plan, and implement projects that improve river function, enhance habitat for fish and wildlife, and increase the resilience of rivers and communities to drought and climate change—all while working cooperatively with landowners; tribes; acequias, or traditional irrigation systems; and other water users.

The Strategic Water Reserve Fund also protects New Mexico’s freshwater by replenishing a fund for the state to buy, lease, or accept donations of water rights for the benefit of imperiled fish and wildlife, cultural preservation, and to meet interstate stream formal agreements, also known as compact commitments. The fund is integral to keeping water in rivers and aquifers and conserving important riparian habitat while honoring landowner water rights.

Patrick Lane, a senior manager with Pew’s U.S. conservation project, issued the following statement:

“New Mexico’s commitment reflects its leadership in safeguarding its limited and precious water resources. By funding both the River Stewardship Program and the Strategic Water Reserve, the state is taking meaningful steps to address the water scarcity crisis, replenish groundwater reserves, enhance river connectivity and biodiversity, mitigate against the effects of wildfires, and improve water quality. These investments lay the groundwork for continued annual support that will secure the future of New Mexico’s water.”

Pew has long supported science-based, collaborative water management solutions that balance environmental needs with economic and cultural priorities. Pew looks forward to continuing to work with state leaders, agencies, and local partners to ensure that these programs are implemented effectively and deliver lasting benefits for New Mexico’s people, rivers, and wildlife.