The Acequia and Community Ditch Fund Act [73-2A-1 to 73-2A-3 NMSA 1978] is established to provide financial assistance to acequia and community ditch systems to develop hydrological studies, acquire technical and legal research, and other information and services necessary to conserve and protect water for New Mexico’s future through the adjudication of water rights.

Associations of acequia and/or ditch associations constituting a majority of acequia or ditches within an adjudication or separately administered portion of an adjudication suit on record with the Office of the State Engineer are eligible to apply for funding.  The association must be incorporated and in good standing with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC).  Applications must be submitted to New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) for funding consideration, and all successful applicants are required to adhere to procurement and administrative procedures as established by New Mexico State University/NMDA in order to ensure that funding assistance is expended in accordance with state law.

NMDA currently works with 16 acequia associations utilizing grants to defend their water rights.  A committee, chaired by NMDA, allocates and oversees the funds appropriated by the New Mexico Legislature.

For more information, contact:

Ethel Lynch

ACDF Program Coordinator

Agricultural Programs & Resources Division

Box 30005/MSC APR

Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8005

(505) 646-1091

Fax: (505)646-1540