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Friday News Roundup: Feds To Fund 12 Energy Efficiency Projects In NM

Feds To Fund 12 Energy Efficiency Projects In NM - Associated Press

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will be funding a dozen projects in New Mexico that are geared toward improving energy efficiency on farms and at rural businesses.

The projects were announced Thursday by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The New Mexico projects are among more than 630 across the nation that are being funded by the agency.

Officials say the goal is to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs and boost the use of renewable energy technologies in their operations.

More than $284,000 is being made available for the New Mexico projects.

They include installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system for the Central Valley Electric Coop in Artesia and a photovoltaic solar system for the Emery Law Firm in Taos.

Feds Begin Colorado River Water Drought Measures - Associated Press

After back-to-back driest years in a century on the Colorado River, federal water managers are giving Arizona and Nevada a 50-50 chance of having their water deliveries cut in 2016.

A U.S. Bureau of Reclamation operations plan being made public Friday will slow the flow of water from the Lake Powell reservoir upstream of the Grand Canyon to the huge Lake Mead reservoir that provides Las Vegas drinking water.

But a bureau official says Lake Mead won't reach a low point next year that would trigger cuts to Sin City's main drinking water supply.

The bureau says cities, states, farmers and Indian tribes downstream will get their full water deliveries next year — and probably in 2015.

Seven U.S. states, several tribes and Mexico share water from the river.

Dona Ana County To Host NM Sheriffs' Conference - Associated Press

The Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office is set to host the New Mexico Sheriff's Association Conference.

The four-day conference and training event in Las Cruces is scheduled to begin Aug. 20.

Officials say the gathering will provide needed training for deputies.

Homeland Security Investigations also is scheduled to attend to discuss ways the federal agency is helping New Mexico law enforcement authorities fight drug and human trafficking.

Last year, sheriffs from New Mexico's 33 counties organized themselves under the new group aimed at offering deputies advanced training and building a lobbying force to help change various state laws.

NM Treasurer Elected Leader Of National Group - Associated Press

New Mexico State Treasurer James Lewis has been elected to the top leadership post of a national group representing state financial management officials.

Lewis will serve as president of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers.

He was elected to the post at the group's annual conference, which concluded Wednesday in Boston.

Lewis' office said the association will meet next year in Santa Fe.

Lewis is a Democrat who was elected treasurer in 2006.

He also was treasurer from 1985 to 1990. He initially was appointed to replace Earl Hartley, who resigned after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of malfeasance and neglect of duty, and was elected to a four-year term in 1986.

Lewis was Bernalillo County treasurer from 1983 to 1985.

Recreational Trail Approved For Red Rock Park - Associated Press

The Gallup City Council and New Mexico State Land Commissioner Ray Powell have approved an agreement to create recreational trails on State Trust Land in Red Rock Park near Church Rock.

The three-mile Church Rock Trail and Pyramid Trail will cross six acres of State Trust Land and will stretch about 2.5 miles. The City of Gallup will pay the State Land Office almost $8,000 for the right of way access, which will last for 35 years.

Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney says the agreement puts in place the last piece of the Red Rock Park Trails System.