VILLAGE OF TAOS SKI VALLEY


RESOLUTION NO. 07-134



A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE TAOS REGIONAL WATER PLAN


WHEREAS, the communities, water users, and stakeholders in the Taos Water Planning Region wish to work cooperatively to protect and conserve the water resources of the planning region, which includes all of Taos County and a small part of Rio Arriba County in the Embudo and Upper Santa Barbara watersheds;


WHEREAS, much of the water in the region is supplied by surface water sources vulnerable to drought;


WHEREAS, most public and domestic water supplies in the planning region are provided by groundwater;


WHEREAS, both surface and groundwater uses are limited by the availability of water rights and policies related to the Rio Grande Compact;


WHEREAS, the Taos Regional Water Plan provides a means of protecting water rights in the region, which could potentially be sold or transferred outside of the region;


WHEREAS, there is considerable interest in protecting and/or enhancing water quality in the region;


WHEREAS, the need for watershed management to reduce the risk of catastrophic forest fire and improve water quality is important to the area;


WHEREAS, there is considerable support for protecting the acéquias within the region and supporting a viable agricultural economy;


WHEREAS, updates to address aging infrastructure are needed in communities throughout the region;


WHEREAS, communities in the region are pursuing economic development opportunities, and it is important to ensure both that adequate water supply is available for growth and that growth occurs in a responsible manner regarding water availability;


WHEREAS, there is a need for ongoing public education regarding the water resources and water issues of the region;


WHEREAS, additional information about water use, water depletions, water supply, and water rights are needed to improve the understanding of water issues within the region.


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE OF TAOS SKI VALLEY, THAT:

 

1.         The Village of Taos Ski Valley supports implementation of the Taos Regional Water Plan.

 

2.         Intergovernmental cooperation on water supply development and/or protection is encouraged.

 

3.         Voluntary efforts to keep the water resources of the region within the region (instead of being transferred outside of the region) are encouraged.

 

4.         Programs that support the health of watersheds and riparian areas are encouraged.

 

5.         Activities that prevent water quality degradation, including projects that provide funding and technical support for improved wastewater management, are encouraged.

 

6.         Projects that support continuation of traditional agriculture in the region are important.

 

7.         Projects that provide infrastructure improvements, including those that focus on regional cooperation, are encouraged.

 

8.         Ensuring that adequate water supplies are available prior to allowing new development and that new development occurs using conservation measures are encouraged.

 

9.         Efforts to provide centralized and accessible public education on water issues are encouraged.

 

10.       Continued collection and analysis of hydrologic data that will help to implement the Taos Regional Water Plan are encouraged.


PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 13TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2007.


THE VILLAGE OF TAOS SKI VALLEY


_______________________

Mayor



Attest:


______________________________

Village Clerk



Vote: For ___4__ Against__0__