New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is reorganizing the Environment Department as part of a plan to improve coordination and planning of water policy. Richardson announced the organizational changes recently. A Division of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Development is being created within the department. One of its duties is to lead an effort by several agencies to coordinate and streamline the process for funding waste and wastewater projects for local governments. The governor issued an executive order to implement the reorganization. It also provides for the leaders of several state agencies and a quasi-government financing authority to serve as a `water cabinet’ to improve policymaking on water issues. The group is to meet at least three times a year and submit an annual report to the governor and Legislature.

To view the full article, visit the U.S. Water News Online. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.