BUREC drilling in Cloudcroft

BUREC drilling in Cloudcroft

Drilling for water in Cloudcroft began Friday by the Bureau of Reclamation on U.S. Highway 82 near the Sleepy Grass Campground entrance. The plan is to drill 1,200 feet, according to Mike Nivison, county commissioner and Cloudcroft village manager.

“Hopefully they will find some water there,” he said. The water will be for the village’s municipal use.

The well is being funded by the Bureau of Reclamation’s Drought Emergency Assistance Program. The program was implemented earlier this summer when Congress approved a $9 million supplemental appropriation for drought assistance in 17 western states, sponsored by Sen. Pete Domenici, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The drought program provides the Bureau of Reclamation with the means to help tribes, states, municipalities and nonprofit organizations find ways to minimize the losses and damages associated with severe drought.

Other New Mexico wells being drilled under the program are in Las Vegas, Ruidoso and Capitan.

“Ruidoso Downs recently drilled for water under the same program and found a reserve of water,” Nivison said Friday.

According to Mary Perea Carlson, public affairs specialist for the Bureau’s Albuquerque area office, the well at Ruidoso Downs went through final inspection on Thursday.

“It is complete and can pump up to 11,000 gallons per minute. Work will soon begin on the pump house for that well,” said Perea Carlson. “We’re pleased to work with these cities to help strengthen their water supplies.

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