Governor discusses water issues during brief visit

Gov. Susana Martinez made a brief visit with Mayor David Lansford and a pair of city commissioners Tuesday at the Clovis Municipal Airport.

Lansford said he and commissioners Randy Crowder and Juan Garza met for about 30 minutes with Martinez, who also planned a similar stop in Portales before a private fundraiser in Clovis later in the evening.

The discussion was largely focused on water issues, Lansford said, including the city’s recent $1.8 million purchase of water rights from a farmer and the city’s intent to participate in a Department of Agriculture program that would pay farmers for three years to convert to dryland farming.

Crowder spoke about the Ute Pipeline project and some issues central to the Interstate Streams Commission he serves, Lansford said.