AFTER MORE THAN 200 MEETINGS AND VOLUMES OF PUBLIC COMMENT, THE INTERSTATE STREAM COMMISSION HAS VOTED TO USE FEDERAL FUNDING TO BUILD A CONTROVERSIAL DIVERSION AND STORAGE SYSTEM ALONG THE GILA RIVER IN SOUTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO.
THE COMMISSION, MEETING MONDAY IN ALBUQUERQUE, ALSO DECIDED TO USE SOME OF THE FEDERAL MONEY FOR OTHER PROJECTS TO STRETCH THE REGION'S WATER SUPPLY. OPPONENTS OF THE PLAN SAY IT COULD CARRY A PRICE TAG OF A BILLION DOLLARS.
