Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Secure Disaster Relief and Resilience for Western Agricultural Communities
Senators Ben Ray Luján and John Cornyn have introduced the bipartisan ACEQUIA Act to provide critical disaster relief for acequias. Acequias, traditional community-managed irrigation systems, play a vital role in sustaining Western agricultural communities. However, increasing droughts are posing significant challenges to these systems.
The ACEQUIA Act ensures that acequias can access the same USDA disaster assistance programs available to other agricultural systems. It specifically amends the Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), enabling Parciantes—those managing acequias—to qualify for drought and disaster relief.
Additionally, the legislation codifies existing guidelines allowing routine maintenance and improvements on federal lands without requiring special-use permits.
“Acequias are a rich part of New Mexico’s culture and essential to our way of life. For generations, our farmers and ranchers have relied on this community-owned and managed irrigation system,” said Senator Luján.
Drought conditions in the West are significantly affecting growing seasons and crop yields. Many Parciantes have faced barriers to accessing disaster aid due to eligibility based on prior-year production values. Over time, these challenges have limited their ability to benefit from USDA programs.
Senator Luján has been a consistent advocate for acequia-related legislation. In December 2024, he secured $15 million in federal funding for acequias.
The ACEQUIA Act builds on his previous successes, ensuring equity for traditional irrigation systems and supporting agricultural resilience.
This bipartisan effort highlights the importance of safeguarding acequias for future generations while addressing the growing impact of aridification on Western states.