WITH THE MEAGER SNOWPACK RUNOFF THIS YEAR, THERE WERE CONCERNS THAT THE RIO GRANDE COULD DRY UP THROUGH ALBUQUERQUE. NOW, THAT APPARENTLY WON’T HAPPEN. THE CITY COUNTY WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED TO LEASE WATER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO KEEP THE RIVER FLOWING. AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN DAVID MORRIS SAYS THE MAIN CONCERN IS WILDLIFE THAT DEPENDS ON THE RIVER, INCLUDING THE ENDANGERED SILVERY MINNOW. MORRIS SAYS THE WATER AUTHORITY WILL ESSENTIALLY SELL WATER IT HAS IN STORAGE TO THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FOR TWO MILLION DOLLARS.
