Serving the High Plains

More federal money coming for Ute Water Project

CLOVIS — More federal dollars are on their way for the Ute Water Project.

The Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority has received notice from the United States Bureau of Reclamation regarding the second round of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

According to a news release from water authority, the federal FY2023 appropriation is in the amount of $89.5 million for use in the construction of the Ute pipeline.

ENMWUA will receive an additional $4.63 million from FY2023 administration and congressional funding. The total FY2023 federal funding for the project is $94.14 million.

ENMWUA Chairman and Clovis Mayor Mike Morris said of the second year of Infrastructure funding: “This will keep the project on schedule for completion within the end of the decade.”

The purpose of the project 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 in Quay County.