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Despite the Bureau of Indian Affairs Southwest Regional Office reviewing the right-of-way status of the Corrales Siphon project, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) can proceed with planning design and repairs.
That’s according to Mayor James Fahey’s message on Sept. 6, which cited an update provided by state Sen. Brenda McKenna and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury regarding the issues with the Siphon project.
The review of the Corrales Siphon right-of-way was prompted by discussions between the designated engineer and the Pueblo of Sandia. The pueblo raised concerns about the siphon’s right-of-way due to its proximity to the pueblo boundary and the river boundary.
The Southwest Regional Office requested and has received a BIA land surveyor report and is in the process of reviewing the report, which it expects to complete in the next few weeks.
If the BIA determines that the MRGCD lacks a valid right-of-way, it will collaborate with legal counsel to decide on the appropriate next steps.
Affected property owners are encouraged to contact the Sandoval County Assessor’s Office for guidance on maintaining their agricultural property assessments amidst the siphon issue.