Federal government appropriates $10 million for rural water system
Media Release, Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority
CLOVIS, NM — The Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA) has received notice of award from the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) of a federal FY2025 appropriation in the amount of $10,000,000.00 to support continued construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System (ENMRWS) pipeline.
This funding represents a significant step forward in the Authority’s efforts to complete all remaining components of the ENMRWS. ENMWUA has ramped up construction activities and is making substantial progress toward delivering a long-term, renewable water supply to the region.
ENMWUA Chairman and Mayor of Clovis Mike Morris expressed his appreciation for the continued federal support, “This funding is a testament to the importance of the ENMRWS and the commitment to rural infrastructure. We’re proud of the progress made and grateful for the federal investment in our region’s future.”
ENMWUA Vice Chairman Jim Lucero commented, “We sincerely thank our federal partners for their continued support of this vital project. This appropriation allows us to maintain momentum and move closer to delivering a reliable water source for Eastern New Mexico.”
The ENMRWS is a federally authorized rural water project under the USBR. Funding for the project is structured as 75% federal, 15% state, and 10% ENMWUA membership.
The Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System is a regional rural water supply project in east-central New Mexico, federally authorized in 2009. Its purpose is to provide potable water to four city member agencies and Cannon Air Force Base for municipal, commercial, and industrial use from a renewable surface water supply at Ute Reservoir.
The ENMWUA was enacted by the New Mexico State Legislature effective July 1, 2010. Member communities include:
• Clovis (including Cannon Air Force Base and portions of Curry County)
• Portales (including portions of Roosevelt County)
• Texico
• Elida
