WASHINGTON -- The Ute Water pipeline project has received $1 million from the Department of Interior, according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.

The money will go toward  building an intake structure at the Ute reservoir, the first phase of the project expected to take eight to 10 years to complete.

When it’s done, the pipeline will supply water to Clovis, Elida, Grady, Melrose, Portales and Texico, officials have said.

Officials have estimated the pipeline will cost upward of $430 million.

Clovis Mayor Gayla Brumfield said news of the $1 million is significant because it’s the first federal funding provided the project.

“It means we’re funded instead of just authorized,” she said. “It opens the door to more (federal dollars).”

The state has provided about $25 million toward construction, Brumfield said.

Officials held a formal groundbreaking in August, but Brumfield said construction will not begin for another 90 days.