If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please contact NM WRRI Director Sam Fernald (575-646-4337; fernald@ad.nmsu.edu) as soon as possible. Draft proposal and budget should be reviewed by NM WRRI no later than February 13, 2012.

The U.S. Geological Survey requests proposals for matching grants to support research on the topic of improving and enhancing the nation’s water supply, including enhancement of water supply infrastructure, development of drought impact indicators, evaluation of the dynamics of extreme hydrological events and associated costs, development of methods for better estimation of the physical and economic supply of water, integrated management of ground and surface waters, the resilience of public water supplies, and the evaluation of conservation practices. Proposals are sought in not only the physical dimensions of supply, but also the role of economics and institutions in water supply and coping with extreme hydrologic conditions.

This program provides university researchers with up to $250,000 for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration. It requires a 1:1 non-federal match. The intent of the program is to encourage projects with collaboration between universities and the USGS. Funds have not been appropriated for this program but the USGS is proceeding with the proposal solicitation process in case an appropriation is received. The RFP at https://niwr.net/competitive_grants/RFP a gives information on past year funding including award amounts and funding success rates. Please review the RFP carefully and if you are considering pursuing this opportunity, please contact NM WRRI Director Sam Fernald (575-646-4337; fernald@ad.nmsu.edu ) as soon as possible.

Proposals must be filed online by February 23, 2012.

The 56^th Annual Water Conference Proceedings

New Water New Energy: A Conference Linking Desalination and Renewable Energyis now available.

The 57th Annual New Mexico Water Conference

has been approved for 5.7 credits by the New Mexico MCLE.

Water scarcity to be topic of 57th annual New Mexico Water Conference at NMSU.

While much attention has been paid of late to the serious short-term drought situation facing farmers in the American Midwest, New Mexico continues to be immersed in the worst two-year drought period in decades.

In this context, it is timely that the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute will present the 57th annual New Mexico Water Conference, “Hard Choices: Adapting Policy and Management to Water Scarcity.”http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/news/article/8785/.

The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute is pleased to announce that it will receive $1 million for a water research initiative to improve water management in New Mexico. The funding for fiscal Year 2015, with potential to recur in the future, was provided by the New Mexico Legislature with the support of the Governor. It will elevate the institute’s ability to address New Mexico’s myriad water problems. On behalf of water researchers throughout the state of New Mexico, the institute is very grateful and expresses sincere thanks for the strong support during the 2014 New Mexico Legislative Session.

As part of the water initiative, the NM WRRI has issued a Request for Proposals to fund research by New Mexico’s university faculty. In keeping with the will of the legislation that provided the funding, research will be sought that addresses three priority topic areas: integrated statewide water budget, water policy for planning, and water-supply innovation. Proposals in response to the RFP are due May 21, 2014. Announcement of awards will be made in mid-June with projects to start on July 1, 2014.

In mid-August, the NM WRRI will announce the availability of student grants to address the same priority topics. Student grant proposals will be due in mid-September for projects to begin October 1, 2014. Please check the NM WRRI website for updates on these grant opportunities.

http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=1282

April 30, 2013 – Senator Tom Udall (left) and NM WRRI Director Sam Fernald

present the Water Conference Report, which compiles strategies and policy

proposals discussed at WRRI’s annual water conference in August 2012, which

was co-hosted by Senator Udall and New Mexico State University. Photo by J.P. King

April 30, 2013 – Some water conference and workshop participants gather alongside

a dry Rio Grande  for the announcement by Senator Tom Udall of the water conference

 follow-up report detailing 40 proposed actions on dealing with  New Mexico’s scarce

water supplies. Photo by P. Hemp

Please see announcement for visiting the Acequia Exhibition at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico. The exhibition is free and open to all.