New Mexico panel delays water rights deal - BusinessWeek
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission on Thursday again delayed action on a controversial proposal that involves the exchange of water rights and millions of dollars between the state and computer chip manufacturer Intel Corp.
The decision to postpone action indefinitely and start developing criteria for dealing with certain water credits came during the panel's regular meeting in Santa Fe, just one day after the proposal was debated during a lengthy and sometimes heated meeting before an interim legislative committee.
"Clearly, there were great concerns about us moving forward today," said Interstate Stream Commission chief Estevan Lopez.
After two months of delays and public outcry from some state lawmakers, farmers and ranchers and a major irrigation group along the Middle Rio Grande, Lopez said Thursday he still believes the deal would benefit the state.
