ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A coalition of elected officials, environmentalists and labor unions urged New Mexico‘s congressional leaders on Monday to throw their support behind a federal jobs bill that could mean millions of dollars for water system improvements in the state.
The coalition released a report that suggested much-needed investment in water management systems across the country, including those in New Mexico, could lead to billions of dollars in economic activity and close to 1.9 million jobs over five years.
The study predicted that New Mexico could see the creation of anywhere from 300 jobs to more than 11,000, depending on whether funds from the proposed American Jobs Act are shared based on infrastructure needs or a state’s unemployment level.
Supporters said the legislation would present an opportunity for New Mexico — a state humbled this year by exceptional drought and continued water supply pressures — to upgrade its infrastructure while creating jobs and limiting costs for ratepayers.
Art de la Cruz, chairman of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, stood in front of the metro area’s sewage treatment plant as he talked about the study. He said the plant, which processes waste water from more
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