First phase of pipeline construction could start as early as February

Construction on the first phase of the Ute Water Project can start as early as February after Monday's ruling in a federal court, which cleared the way to start construction, according to Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority Chairperson Gayla Brumfield.

Brumfield says she's been in contact with the project manager and was told it will take construction workers time to acquire the equipment needed for the job.

"They're just waiting to get back organized," Brumfield said.

A U.S. District Court judge in Albuquerque denied the Village of Logan's request for an injunction preventing construction.

According to court documents, the court ruled the water utility authority complied with environmental laws.

Brumfield said the first phase of construction involves the building of the intake structure.

Brumfield hopes to continue an open line of communication with the cities of Tucumcari and Logan.

The project would pump water from the Ute Reservoir in Quay County to the member entities of Clovis, Elida, Grady, Melrose, Portales, Texico and Curry and Roosevelt counties.

Brumfield added the second phase of the pipeline project would start in north Curry County.

"We're doing the design work for that now," she said.

The second phase would also require them to lease or purchase water rights from surrounding agricultural communities, Brumfield said.