BLM Water Payments Stop at Santa Cruz Lake | Santa Fe News

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has stopped paying for water at Santa Cruz Lake for over a year and a half, leaving the irrigation district scrambling to keep the dam running — a critical piece of infrastructure that’s now in jeopardy without those crucial funds. Once receiving $7,000–$9,300 annually from the BLM, the district now faces payments slashed to less than a third — possibly as little as $2,500 — if they can even get them at all. With the BLM’s massive budget and the district’s tiny operating funds, this dispute isn’t just about money — it’s about preserving public access to a beloved recreation spot. Officials remain silent, but hope rests on a new BLM director who might finally help strike a deal that keeps the lake alive. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4b4d56fb82619f6c