Zero funding for the Valles Caldera National Preserve. No greenbacks for water projects proposed in Navajo country, renovating acequia irrigation systems or studying water resources in the Rio Grande Basin.

New Mexico water advocates could only read President Bush's proposed fiscal year 2009 budget, released this week, and weep.

U.S. Sens. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., and Pete Domenici, R-N.M., both said Monday that they'll work with their colleagues to restore funding to projects they both see as vital to New Mexico's water future. "When it comes to water, this bill is not good for New Mexico," Bingaman said in a news release.

Gone from the president's budget is any money for the 89,000-acre Valles Caldera National Preserve in Northern New Mexico, a pet project of both senators. The preserve was authorized by Congress in 2000 and given 15 years to become financially self-sustaining. But currently, federal funding is vital to the preserve's operations.

"I am used to the administration seeking very little funding for the Valles Caldera, but cutting all resources is a disappointment," Domenici said in a written statement.

The president has also proposed cutting out water for the Navajo-Gallup water pipeline, a key piece of a massive settlement over the Navajo Nation's rights to San Juan River water. The settlement still requires federal funding and approval to become law.

The proposed budget also cuts water funding for Santa Fe's Buckman Direct Diversion project on the Rio Grande, the U.S.-Mexico transboundary study, and the Albuquerque water reclamation and reuse projects.

Overall, the president's budget would lower funding for Army Corps of Engineers projects and operations on dams and reservoirs by $20.2 million from the fiscal year 2008 request.

Two bright spots in the budget: A recommended $3.17 million to rehabilitate the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center and $150,000 to finalize the purchase of 320 acres near El Malpais National Monument.

Contact Staci Matlock at 986-3055 or smatlock@sfnewmexican.com.