Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures Critical Resources for New Mexico Water Infrastructure in House-Passed Bill

September 24, 2026 Press Release Vasquez delivers major wins for water security, wildfire recovery, flood protection and the Rio Grande WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) helped pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 , securing up to $50 million in new water infrastructure authorizations for communities in New Mexico focused on drought and wildfire recovery, flood protection and the long-term health of the Rio Grande. “I fought to put New Mexico front and center in this bill, and I’m proud to have delivered,” said Vasquez . “This bill provides up to $50 million for local water infrastructure to protect the Rio Grande and help communities recover from wildfires – critical wins for New Mexicans as we face a dire water shortage.” The Water Resources Development Act , known as WRDA, authorizes water infrastructure projects, studies and policies carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This year, Vasquez pushed to make sure New Mexico’s unique water challenges were reflected in a bill that shapes water policy across the country. Rep. Vasquez secured the following wins for New Mexico: $25 million for Doña Ana County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water infrastructure in Doña Ana County, including water supply and desalination projects. This creates a major new federal opportunity to strengthen the region’s water supply and put brackish groundwater to productive use. $25 million for Valencia County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure in Valencia County, including stormwater management. The provision will help communities tackle flooding, improve water systems and build more resilient infrastructure. Major modernization of the Rio Grande Environmental Management Program: Vasquez secured an expansion of the program to support projects addressing drought, wildfire and flood resilience, fish and wildlife habitat, sedimentation and salinity, water infrastructure, and invasive species. WRDA authorizes $20 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and strengthens reporting and long-term planning for the Rio Grande. Post-fire watershed assessments across New Mexico: Vasquez secured post-disaster watershed assessments covering areas impacted by the Buck, Trout, Cotton, South Fork and Salt Fires in Catron, Grant and Valencia Counties and near Ruidoso. These assessments can help identify long-term watershed restoration and flood-risk reduction projects needed to protect communities recovering from devastating wildfires. Greater scrutiny of large new water users: Vasquez pushed for greater federal scrutiny of the enormous water demands that can come with new data centers, and WRDA requires the Army Corps to examine how new commercial and industrial water users affect federal water supply and water conservation projects. The provision provides a new tool for understanding how major new developments could put additional pressure on limited water resources. New Rio Grande Basin water supply study: Vasquez secured a new Army Corps feasibility study focused on water supply and ecosystem restoration across the Rio Grande Basin in New Mexico. WRDA also adds the Middle Rio Grande to federal watershed assessments that examine future municipal, domestic, industrial, and agricultural water needs. This is especially important as New Mexico tries to meet its water compact obligations to Texas. New tools to protect the Rio Grande: Vasquez secured the addition of the Middle Rio Grande to the Army Corps’ watershed assessment program, advancing efforts to improve the health and long-term resilience of the river. WRDA also expands drought-resiliency tools to address harmful nonnative riparian species such as salt cedar and restore native vegetation. Federal action along the Rio Chama: Vasquez, along with the New Mexico delegation, secured language directing the Army Corps to expedite environmental and drought-resiliency project modifications along the Rio Chama and Rio Grande between Abiquiu and Cochiti Reservoirs. The provision advances his push for stronger federal management of this critical stretch of New Mexico’s river system. This bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Public Works Association, American Rivers, American Road & Transportation Builders Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Landscape Architects, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, National Association of Counties, National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies, National Association of Manufacturers, National League of Cities, National Parks Conservation Association, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, National Utility Contractors Association, National Water Resources Association, National Water Supply Alliance, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and many others . ### Issues : Environment & Conservation