What’s been called the last free-flowing river in the West will be losing that distinction soon. That’s because on Monday, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission voted to take advantage of federal funding to build a diversion and storage system along the Gila River.
The panel also decided that some of the money will go toward other projects aimed at stretching the drought-stricken region's water supplies. The commission's vote comes after more than 200 meetings, volumes of public comment and a lawsuit that challenged the transparency of the planning process. Under a 2004 settlement with Arizona, New Mexico is entitled to an average of about four-and-a-half billion gallons of Gila River water a year. Supporters say New Mexico has a rare chance to develop a new source of water, but critics say the price tag of diversion could reach one-billion dollars.
These are hard times for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Just as its staff starts getting over the death last month of Deputy Jeremy Martin who was shot and killed—allegedly by another deputy in drunken fight—it’s now raising funds for the family of another deputy who died last week. The office recently set up a “GoFundMe” account in honor of Deputy Brandon Trujillo. Authorities say Trujillo suffered a heart attack while traveling with his family to Albuquerque for a Veterans Day lunch. The office says money raised will help the family with funeral expenses. Trujillo previously had worked for the Pojoaque Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, and U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Newly-elected New Mexico House Minority Leader Brian Egolf of Santa Fe is hoping he doesn’t have that job very long. The Democrat telling KSFR he has two years to work towards regaining the House majority.*****112514-Egolf-2 :33*****Egolf says he blames what he calls the” huge collapse” in voter turnout in the election for the House turning GOP. The Santa Fe lawmaker adding that during this year’s campaign, Democrats failed to remind voters of the contrasts between the two parties
New Mexico Senator Tom Udall—commenting following the announcement that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will step down—said that over the past year, the United States has seen the emergence of a brutal terrorist organization as well as other security threats that require a targeted, strategic response. Udall telling KSFR he appreciated Secretary Hagel’s understanding of the strategic importance of New Mexico’s National Laboratories—Los Alamos and Sandia: *****112414-Udall-1 :31***** Udall says he hopes Hagel’s successor will share the former Secretary’s focus on the state’s two national labs. Udall added that he looks forward to the upcoming confirmation process. He says he expects the President to name Hagel’s successor soon.
An 11-year-old Mexican boy who had pieces of a massive tumor removed and who drew international attention got a surprise visit in recovery. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez visited Jose Antonio Ramirez Serrano on Monday a week after he underwent an 11-hour surgery.
Doctors at University of New Mexico Hospital say they removed a significant portion of a watermelon-sized tumor but the boy still faces months of treatment. Officials say the boy is recovering in an intensive care unit. In July 2012, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations assisted in picking up the boy and his parents from a neighborhood in Ciudad Juarez — one of the deadliest cities in the world due to drug cartels. Martinez sought an extended visa for the boy to receive treatment in New Mexico.
Federal officials have proposed more than tripling the current number of endangered Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest and greatly expanding the area they can roam. At least 83 wolves currently roam 7 million acres of federal, tribal and private land in far eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.
Santa Fe Weather: Sunny today through tomorrow with today’s high 39, warming up to a high of 50 tomorrow. Tonight: Mostly clear skies with the overnight low, 24.