I was proud to co-host the 57th Annual New Mexico Water Conference in Las Cruces on August 28, 2012. Our conference brought together 500 participants, including farmers, ranchers, engineers and other community members. It brought together panels of experts who allowed us to gain valuable insights from years of experience. But most importantly, it was an opportunity to listen, and to have a real dialogue about an issue that is so important to the future of our state.
If you weren't able to join us in person, you can view the entire archived webcast online, thanks to NMSU. Click here to watch the conference, from the welcome to the breakout sessions, including our "Straight Talk" panel of retired state engineers.
You can also read the full text of my remarks as prepared for delivery, and download the graphs and slides I mention in my welcome presentation.
This conference just the beginning of an important dialogue. We need to continue this vital discussion and work together to find consensus on solutions to water conflicts that work.
Over the coming months, my office will be compiling the strategies and policy proposals discussed at the conference, which will later be posted on my website at tomudall.senate.gov
In the meantime, I want to extend my appreciation to all the participants and everyone who made the conference a success, especially my co-host NMSU President Barbara Couture, and Sam Fernald of the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute.
The challenge is clear. The stakes are high. And our efforts will have to be focused, innovative, and resolute. But I am confident that together we can make the hard choices.
