These minutes are courtesy of B.J.Agnew
Gila Basin Irrigation Commission
February 17, 2025
Minutes
The February 17, 2025, meeting of the Gila Basin Irrigation Commission was called to order by Chair David Ogilvie at 6:01 pm in the Conference Room of Amplified Therapy, Cliff, New Mexico.
Present: Neil Kaspar, Wendel Hann, David Ogilvie, Destre Shelley, Zac Runyan, Don Stailey, Peter Russell, BJ Agnew. By Phone Charlene Webb.
A quorum of the Gila Basin Irrigation Commission (GBIC) was determined to be present by the representation of the Upper Gila Irrigation Association, the Fort West Irrigation Association, and the Gila Farms Irrigation Association. And, by proxy, the Gila Hot springs Irrigation Association, the Riverside Irrigation Association, and the Grandpa Harper Irrigation Association.
The minutes of the January 27, 2025, meeting of the GBIC were approved.
Financial Report
The GBIC bank balance of $435.67 was approved.
Updates
Grant County Update
The Federal Funding that is to be used for various projects is safe at this time. The County is still working on getting High Water Mark on Board as Project Manager. There are some design changes to the Bear Creek siphon.
Gila River Status, reports from ditches.
The Gila Farms Ditch has been cleaned for the most part. The Fort West Ditch is in decent shape. The Upper Gila Ditch plans on some ditch cleaning soon.
Capital Improvement Grant Status/Update
Each ditch reported no changes from previously reported status. A question that came up was "When does this funding 'go away'?"
Action Items for Consideration
Upper Gila Irrigation Association Project /Plan
It has been a long effort to coordinate all the funding. We need to talk to High Water Mark for assistance. We are looking for improvements on all three ditches.
Old Business
None
New Business
The Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA) Grant Application for Design and Planning is now available. The New Mexico Water Trust Board (WTB) is to manage the Grant Application. Even if a ditch already has a Grant they can apply for this Design and Planning Grant. This Design and Planning Grant Application closes March 31, 2025. The funding for this Design and Planning comes from the AWSA monies. The WTB will review Applications and pass their recommendations to the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) to decide and award this Grant funding. The GBIC needs to stay proactive about pursuing funding. A motion to pursue the WTB Application was passed. A subcommittee of the GBIC to work on this Grant will be established. It may be possible to use material from our "brainstorming" of the past summer. A suggestion from the floor was to coordinate with the New Mexico Acequias Association.
The New Mexico Water Security Act (WSA) planning will have an online presentation. There is the intent to produce a 5-year water plan. The 4 AWSA Counties are one District. There is intent to create a District Committee with the inclusion of acequia representation. This WSA planning includes ground and surface water forecast for the next 5 years. There is an online magazine "Mainstream" that contains some information on this material.
Next Meeting
March 17, 2025
6:00 pm
Amplified Therapy Conference Room
Cliff, New Mexico
Adjourn
6:47 pm
