NM panel delays water rights deal

SANTA FE (AP) - The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission has again delayed action on a controversial proposal that involves the exchange of water rights and millions of dollars between the state and computer chip manufacturer Intel Corp.

This time the commission voted to postpone action on the deal indefinitely.

The decision came during the panel's regular meeting in Santa Fe on Thursday, one day after the proposal was debated during a lengthy and sometimes heated meeting before an interim legislative committee.

Commission chief Estevan Lopez says he still believes the deal would benefit the state.

Intel would pay $10 million and transfer its surface water rights to the commission. In exchange, the commission would relieve Intel of certain obligations the company has to make up for the impact its groundwater pumping has on the Rio Grande.