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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2002

Cochiti Lake in New Mexico won't be drained fully this year in order to protect an endangered fish but the proposal is still drawing opposition.

Sens. Pete Domenici (R-N.M) and Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) both said they would fight any plans to drain the 52,000-acre-foot lake. Congress would have to authorize such a move.

Cochiti Pueblo also opposes drainage. The tribe met with Congressional staff to state its views.

A federal judge has ordered protection of the silvery minnow. The Bureau of Reclamation might drain anyway from 20 to 50 percent of the lake this year.

Get the Story:
Draining of Cochiti Lake Unlikely This Year, Official Says (The Albuquerque Journal 5/12)

Related Stories:
Pueblo opposing option for lake (5/10)
Corps apologizes to Pueblo (2/25)