Heinrich Announces $1.16 Million To Develop Systems To Conserve Water In The Rio Grande Basin

Press Release

U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) voted for the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration for fiscal year 2010, and includes a wide range of programs that will affect New Mexico.

"Keeping New Mexicans safe, while improving their health is a win-win situation," said Rep. Heinrich. "These critical investments in nutrition, conservation, and public safety are long overdue. They will improve our nation's health and support our local farmers."

Rep. Heinrich was able to secure $1,160,000 for New Mexico State University College of Agriculture to develop efficient agricultural and urban landscape irrigation systems to conserve water in the Rio Grande Basin, which runs through the heart of the First Congressional District. Topics include home water use and public water systems, positively affecting citizens in the First Congressional District. Drought conditions in New Mexico affect water supplies to agriculture causing serious adverse economic consequences to farm workers, producers, processors and related industries. The project seeks to mitigate this problem by increasing irrigation water use efficiency by agriculture and municipalities in New Mexico.

After years of underinvestment in the federal government's capabilities to protect public health, support U.S. agriculture, and conserve the environment, this bill invests in vital agencies in order to strengthen the critical services they provide to the American people. The bill focuses on key priorities, such as: protecting public health: bolstering food nutrition programs; investing in rural communities; agriculture research; strengthening animal health and marketing programs; and conserving our natural resources.

In addition to local programs, the bill included a range of other national programs:

$7.5 billion for the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program, which provides food and nutrition services to 10 million people.
$180 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, providing nutritious food to more than 500,000 low-income individuals who struggle with rising food costs.
$61.3 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps). Funds will help increase elderly participation in the program.
$2.8 billion for rural development programs including rural housing, water projects, community facilities and economic development efforts.
$980.3 million for conservation programs, helping improve service in the field, deliver conservation to protect the environment and upgrade aging dams.

The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 266 to 160 and now awaits Senate consideration.

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