Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act

This legislation aims to provide crucial support for agricultural producers who depend on acequia systems , which are centuries-old, community-managed water delivery networks vital for local agriculture and cultural landscapes, particularly in New Mexico. It amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to explicitly ensure these producers receive assistance under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program for losses suffered due to drought conditions. The bill also streamlines the maintenance of acequias by prohibiting the requirement of special use permits for routine upkeep and minor improvements on federal land. This includes essential activities such as annual ditch cleaning, silt removal, and infrastructure repair, facilitating the continued operation of these critical irrigation systems. Furthermore, it mandates a Department of Agriculture report within two years to assess acequia producers' access to USDA programs and identify targeted assistance for traditional infrastructure vulnerable to drought.