SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas says the legal battle with Texas over management of the Rio Grande is moving ahead and this is no time for the Legislature to cut funding.
Balderas testified Wednesday before the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, one of the key panels that will be crafting the state budget when the legislative session begins next week.
Legislative finance analysts are recommending $500,000 for Balderas' office to use for the ongoing litigation. Past funding has topped $2 million and Balderas had requested $3 million for the next fiscal year.
He says the funding is critical since the case is ratcheting up. He argued New Mexico's economy and rural communities could be affected.
Texas sued New Mexico in 2013, claiming the state failed to deliver water as required under the Rio Grande Compact.