Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Supply topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City attorney: federal bill would cap Gallup’s capital contribution and secure funding for Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project
Summary
City Attorney David Eason said the FY2026 appropriations report would increase project authorization to $1.815 billion and cap Gallup’s capital obligation at $76 million, giving the city access to 7,500 acre-feet of surface water annually upon completion.
City Attorney David Eason provided a legislative update at the Jan. 6 meeting, reporting that the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 had been reported to the House floor. Eason highlighted Section 209, which he characterized as a "game-changer" because it raises the project's funding authorization to $1.815 billion and establishes a $76 million cap on the City of Gallup’s capital contribution.
Eason said the city faces a remaining obligation toward the capped capital contribution and that, once completed, the project will provide the City access to 7,500 acre-feet of surface water annually. The attorney described a high probability of the bill’s passage and Mayor Marc DePauli framed the report as nonpartisan. Council did not take formal action on this update; it was provided for information and context about ongoing federal support for the project.
