By Jesse Jones
At the March 4 Village Council meeting, Jason Casuga, Chief Engineer/CEO of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), delivered disappointing news about the delayed Corrales Siphon project. The project remains stalled due to an easement dispute with Sandia Pueblo.
“I don’t come bearing good news,†Casuga said at the presentation’s start.
The delay comes as the Rio Grande is facing one of its worst water forecasts in history, with river flows at historic lows. Farmers and residents who rely on the irrigation system are growing frustrated as negotiations continue and water allocations remain uncertain.
Casuga outlined that the project is ready to go — with the design in place, funding secured from the Water Trust Board and bids already submitted in November. However, even if the siphon were operational, the region’s bleak water outlook — with the worst water forecasts in history — would still present major challenges. With uncertain water allocations and no resolution in sight, Corrales faces a season filled with uncertainty and tough choices.
The Siphon stalemate
The project hit a roadblock when Sandia Pueblo denied property access, halting construction. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) recently informed MRGCD that the district lacks a valid right-of-way for the Corrales siphon within the Rio Grande floodway.
“I would like to tell you the Council and the public, MRGCD, greatly disagrees, and there are methods in which we can greatly disagree, but none of those methods right now produce getting the siphon constructed any faster,†Casuga said.
Casuga said the BIA instructed the district to negotiate directly with Sandia Pueblo. While MRGCD offered a right-of-way, Pueblo countered with a request for land and infrastructure. The district rejected the counteroffer and submitted a revised proposal, but so far, there is no agreement. Casuga also urged for a faster process, offering mediation, but he is still waiting for a response. He added that the district cannot discuss further details while negotiations are ongoing.
“We do have a clock on the money,†Casuga said, explaining that the district is working to spend the funds before requesting an extension. He believes an extension will be granted but emphasized that the Water Trust Board wants a clear path for spending as originally planned.
Casuga acknowledged the frustration from both the MRGCD board and the community but reiterated that they are working within the process. He said, “We look forward to and hope that this is something we can bring to a conclusion with Sandia Pueblo.â€
Complicated negotiations
Casuga reminded the council that Sandia Pueblo is a sovereign tribal nation, meaning the usual rules for accessing property or using eminent domain don’t apply. He emphasized that accessing tribal land for public use is more complicated.
According to Casuga, delays could drive up costs as construction prices rarely decrease. Although the original bid exceeded the Water Trust Board’s funding, MRGCD will cover the gap to ensure the siphon remains a priority. Tariffs on irrigation gates from Canada and unpredictable material costs further complicate matters.
Backup plan
Casuga assured the council that Corrales’s current water pumping operations are on district-owned land, not tribal land, so they remain secure. If an alternative to the siphon is needed, any new solution would also be built on district-owned property.
According to Casuga, alternative plans were explored in the past but were deemed too expensive.
Now, as discussions stall, he “dusted off†the report. While he’s hesitant to switch to this backup plan, he acknowledged that it would likely require more time and funding, though it could be faster during construction. However, it would trigger additional environmental compliance and potentially impact the floodplain, requiring mitigation.
Casuga said he expects his report to be closely watched and doesn’t want it to deter anyone, including the Pueblo, from moving forward. He said the district remains committed to the siphon. “We’re ready to go.â€
“We think that the frustration and harm coming to the Corrales community could end soon,†Casuga said. “We just need our partners to partner with us to do that.â€
Moving forward
Casuga said when the right-of-way issue first came up, the Pueblo’s administration and council wanted to wait for the federal government’s position before moving forward. He said the district offered to negotiate early, before the BIA made a ruling, but the Pueblo chose to wait.
“I do recognize I am channeling, I think, a little bit of MRGCD frustration. In this instance, we tried to be proactive,†he said. “We tried to settle an issue before the issue was even raised. I think we’ve been negotiating in good faith.â€
Casuga acknowledged Sandia Pueblo’s Gov. Felix Chaves’s statement the district is responsible for delivering water to Corrales but stressed that delivering it via the siphon requires Sandia Pueblo’s consent. He framed the situation as a negotiation about compensation.
While MRGCD believes it already holds the right-of-way, the BIA has ruled otherwise. Casuga said the district has physical documents to prove the right-of-way but feels the BIA overlooked them. Regardless, negotiating directly with Sandia Pueblo is the fastest way to move forward.
Casuga encouraged the community to engage with Sandia Pueblo’s Governor Felix Chaves, suggesting that residents send letters to the governor, who would likely share them with the council.
Ongoing preparations and future steps
Despite the siphon delay, MRGCD has been preparing for the irrigation season. On Feb. 24, the district began flushing and cleaning canals to ensure safe water delivery.
However, high winds have caused some issues, including clogged canals and broken channels. Casuga asked for patience as crews worked to clear the debris.
A backup pump in Albuquerque is ready for rapid replacement if needed, an expense the board approved to guarantee a steady water supply. Casuga also said that while Corrales will receive water first, it will be the first to lose it due to the declining river channel.
“I told my board that not having the Corrales Siphon is my single greatest disappointment coming out of 2024 because we were ready to go,†Casuga said.
Casuga said he gets the community’s frustration and encourages residents to contact his office for answers. He prefers talking directly with people instead of through staff and is available for meetings. Residents can contact his assistant, Tara Jaramillo, to schedule a time. While he can’t promise the process will go any faster, he’s committed to listening to concerns.