The staff of a New Mexico commission is recommending the diversion of a river that runs through Arizona and New Mexico. The Gila River is New Mexico’s last free-flowing river, but that would no longer be the case if the state takes advantage of federal funding to build a diversion and storage system along the waterway.

Still, the staff of the Interstate Stream Commission made that recommendation after hearing from advocates and opponents of the diversion project.

Critics say the project could cost up to a billion dollars, which is more than five times the available federal funds. But proponents say the diversion to urban areas and farmland could help during droughts.

The commission must weigh the recommendation and make a final decision before Dec. 31.