Acequia leaders from across New Mexico will gather at the State Capitol Tuesday (Feb. 11) with a call to action for clean water and funding for infrastructure and disaster recovery.
“Acequias are vital to our future,” Harold Trujillo, president of the New Mexico Acequia Association, said in a press release. “We are supporting the local agricultural economy and our cultural heritage.”
During Acequia Day, acequias will rally to gain support from legislators across the state to support budget and legislative priorities.
There are approximately 54 individual acequias in the Taos Valley alone. These irrigation ditches provide water for crops, help recharge groundwater, enhance wildlife habitat and contribute to the verdant landscape to which Taos residents and visitors have grown accustomed.
Acequias, which are now recognized as political subdivisions of the state, are also democratic institutions that often long predate New Mexico statehood.
Paula Garcia, NMAA executive director, said several bills that have been introduced during this year’s 60-day session of the state Legislature are particularly relevant to acequia culture.
“Acequias are joining forces with land grants in the 2025 legislative session to create a recurring source of infrastructure funds for land grants and acequias,” Garcia said in the press release.
House Bill 330, “Land Grant-merced and Acequia Infrastructure,” is sponsored by District 14 state Rep. Miguel Garcia, District 5 NM Sen. Leo Jaramillo, and District 11 state Rep. and House Speaker Javier Martinez. It seeks to establish a trust a fund dedicated to funding land grant and acequia infrastructure projects. Senate Bill 208, “Irrigation Works Fund Annual Transfer,” is sponsored by District 8 state Sen. Pete Campos. SB 208 would increase recurring funding that supports planning, design and construction of acequia projects.
Another budget priority is to build capacity for the New Mexico Acequia Commission to be an effective policy advisory body in the state to policymakers on matters relating to acequias. Additionally, acequia leaders are supporting legislation that supports clean water in New Mexico.
Senate Bill 21, “Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act,” and Senate Bill 22, “Water Quality and Pollution,” would create a state-level surface water permitting system and fill gaps in federal clean water regulations, which lack protections for the ephemeral (seasonal) waterways that make up a majority of New Mexico’s streams. Both bills are sponsored by District 25 state Sen. Peter Wirth, District 42 NM Rep. Kristina Ortez and District 6 state Sen. Bobby Gonzales.
Acequia Day will include visits with lawmakers, and a Pala Power — “shovel power” march around the Capitol. A program of speakers and performers will be featured in the Roundhouse rotunda during the noon hour. The public is invited to join in the festivities. For more information, go to lasacequias.org.
The State Capitol is located at 490 Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe. Free parking is available Monday through Friday at 420 Galisteo St.