Funding Sources
Acequias, or community ditches, are recognized under New Mexico law as political subdivisions of the state. The associations have the power of eminent domain and are authorized to borrow money and enter into contracts for maintenance and improvements. Acequia associations do not have the power to tax, so the expenses of maintenance and improvements are borne by the individuals served by the irrigation system. To contact the Acequia Liaison for the Office of the State Engineer, call (505) 827-3822, in Santa Fe, or the Special Projects Coordinator at (505) 827-7847. Sources of funding for acequia maintenance and improvement are listed below. NRCS Acequias, from the Spanish word for 'irrigation ditch', hold an important place in the history and culture of the west. Cooperative programs offered by local, state and federal government help acequia associations build or restore diversion structures and ditches used for irrigation. Click here for more information regarding NRCS Technical Assistance.
ISC 80/20 Grant Program The Acequia Restoration and Rehabilitation Program helps acequia associations build or restore diversion structures and ditches used for irrigation. Acequia associations that provide a copy of their bylaws showing that the group is organized and operated as a community ditch as defined by state statute are eligible to particcipate in this program. The New Mexico State Legislature appropriates funds from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the State Engineer for grants for improvement and repair work on specific acequias. Eighty percent of the project cost, up to $96,000 per project can be covered by the grant. Total construction costs under this program are capped at $120,000. Click here for more information regarding the USC 80/20 Grant Program.
COE 215/1113 Programs Section 215 Program Small to medium sized projects, between 120,000 to $500,00. NEPA compliance required. The funding formula is 75% Federal funds, 17.5% State funds and 7.5% Acequia share. Capital Improvement Project appropriations can be used for the Acequia’s 7.5% cost share. Section 1113 Program Large scale projects, between $500,000 and $1.5 Million. NEPA compliance required. In the 1113 program, the COE plans, designs and constructs the entire project. The funding formula is 75% Federal funds, 17.5% State funds and 7.5% Acequia share. Capital Improvement Project appropriations can be used for the Acequia’s 7.5% cost share. Click here for more information regarding the COE 215/1113 Programs. ISC Loan Program An acequia association's share of its costs for a construction or rehabilitation project may come from loans made by the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. The loans are made from the state Irrigation Works Construction Fund at an interest rate presently established at 2.5 percent, with repayment periods of up to 10 years. Monies for these loans are appropriated on an annual basis by the Legislature. For more information on the loan program, contact the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, P.O. Box 25102, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504, (505)827-6160. Acequia Construction Program The New Mexico Legislature appropriates funds to assist individual acequias with specific projects. Commission staff reviews plans, specifications, and ditch eligibility; executes contracts and agreements; and inspects the completed projects. To learn more about the Acequia Construction Program click here, or, call (505) 827-6134, in Santa Fe. Acequia Adjudication Fund In 1988, the Legislature created the acequia and community ditch fund to provide assistance to community ditches and acequias for expenses incurred during water right adjudication suits. The fund is available for historical studies, economic impact reports, expert witness fees, legal fees and other technical services related to the adjudication process. Legislative appropriations for the fund may include conditions and limitations on fund use (73-2A-1, 72-2A-3). For more information, contact the Local Government Division of the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, Bataan Memorial Building, Room 201, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503, phone (505)827-4950. New Mexico Disaster Assistance Program The State of New Mexico, through the Governor’s Disaster Assistance Program, can provide disaster recovery funding on a 75/25 cost-share basis to political subdivisions of the State and to certain non-profit organizations serving a governmental function. Clicke here for more information regarding the NM Disaster Assistance Program. Find grant opportunities All discretionary grants offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies can be found on Grants.gov. You do not have to register with Grants.gov to find grant opportunities. For additional information and assistance contact us, the Taos Valley Acequia Association. |
