OSE News:

LAS CRUCES — The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission is inviting residents to attend a series of community meetings this month to learn about and weigh in on the Lower Rio Grande Water Rights Purchase Program, an effort to address long-term groundwater depletion and meet the state’s water commitments in the region.

Meetings are scheduled as follows and presentations will begin promptly at 4 p.m.:

• Tuesday, May 26, 4–6 p.m., Doña Ana Community College – Gadsden Center Room 140 and 141, 1700 Ohara Rd., Anthony, NM 88021
• Wednesday, May 27, 4–6 p.m., Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001
• Thursday, May 28, 4–6 p.m., Hatch High School Commons Area, 170 E Herrera Rd, Hatch, NM 87937
• Wednesday, June 3, 4–5:30 p.m., online meeting via Zoom: zoom.us/j/91228323784 

Each session will provide an overview of the program– including why it is being developed, its current status and how public input will inform next steps. Attendees can ask questions and speak directly with program representatives.

“These meetings are an opportunity to share information, hear questions and concerns, and better understand the perspectives of the communities that may be affected,” ISC Lower Rio Grande Bureau Chief Ryan Serrano said. “Community input is an important part of this process.” 

Program development is ongoing, and community input will play a key role in shaping how it moves forward.

For more information about the program, please email NMISCPurchaseProgram@wsp.com.