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Commission approves fiscal‑agent agreement so county can administer $600,000 for Estancia Valley water projects
Summary
Torrance County agreed to serve as fiscal agent for a $600,000 state appropriation to the Estancia Valley Water Transmission Association, enabling acquisition work on Sunset Acres and a technical memo for Melody Ranch; EMWT aims for future financial independence.
Torrance County commissioners approved a Fiscal Agent Memorandum of Understanding March 11 that allows the county to administer $600,000 the New Mexico Environment Department allocated to the Estancia Valley Water Transmission Association (EMWT) for Project SAP 24‑I2477‑GF.
County Manager Jordan Barela told the board that EMWT executed the grant agreement and passed the board resolution required by the state, but the funds could not be accessed until a fiscal‑agent agreement with the county is executed. Barela said the money will be budgeted into FY26 after the county signs the MOU and that anticipated uses include acquiring the Sunset Acres water system and funding a Bohannan Huston technical memorandum for Melody Ranch not to exceed $25,000.
Amy May, representing EMWT, said the association is working to strengthen operations and could act as its own fiscal agent in the future, with EMWT estimating a 3–5 year timeframe to build capacity. Commissioners asked about southern district water needs and using some funds for water‑rights acquisition; EMWT indicated that pursuing water rights in Willard had been discussed and could be re‑evaluated after the Sunset Acres acquisition is reimbursed.
Chairman Schwebach moved to approve; Commissioner McCall seconded. Roll call: Yes (Schwebach), Yes (McCall), Yes (Jaramillo).
