By Rodd Cayton — Corraleños interested in learning about water rights are invited to a Nov. 4 presentation at Village Council Chambers, 4324 Corrales Road.
Stephanie Russo Baca and Rin Tara of the Utton Center at UNM Law School will give the briefing on general water rights, then answer questions from attendees. Russo Baca will also have “water rights office hours” Nov. 12 at Village Hall. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Village Administrator Melanie Romero told the Corrales Comment the office hours are intended for individuals with questions about their specific water rights. She said the one-on-one-meetings will be confidential conversations intended to provide the public with information only. Anyone interested in scheduling a meeting may send an email to corralesfarmerscoop@gmail.com.
Water rights are a major issue in Corrales, and municipal officials and property owners find their water usage caught in a bureaucratic thicket of state and federal regulations, and climate change making the precious resource scarce across New Mexico. The village’s water team in July presented a draft 40-year water development plan to the Village Council. The team says the plan is necessary to protect Corrales’ current and future water rights.
The New Mexico Environment Department last year approved a $2 million line of credit to the village for the purchase of water rights. The interest rate on the loan would be 1%, but the village will borrow no money until it has secured a purchase agreement.
The village plans a second Water Rights 101 presentation for Dec. 2.