Denver Steel's neighborhoods to undergo $2.7M water distribution project this summer

The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding a water distribution project funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The meeting highlighted two phases of the project, set to take place in the Denver Steel neighborhoods, with the first phase scheduled for this summer and the second for the following summer.

The total funding for the project amounts to $2,727,000, which includes a grant of $625,000. The county will finance the remaining $2,102,000 over 20 years at a favorable interest rate of 0.26%. The project aims to replace aging water lines, some dating back to the 1950s, which have been prone to frequent failures. The replacement is crucial, especially as the roads will be paved concurrently by the public works department, minimizing disruptions and ensuring efficient project execution.

During the meeting, board members raised concerns about the timing of the financing and the construction schedule. It was clarified that the financing process is expected to align with the project timeline, with a loan closing anticipated in June. This timing is critical to ensure that construction can commence this summer and be completed before winter weather sets in.

The board expressed optimism about the project’s progress, acknowledging the aggressive timeline but affirming their commitment to completing the work efficiently. The meeting concluded without public comments, as attendees had exited the virtual session. Overall, the discussions underscored the county's proactive approach to improving its water infrastructure while addressing community needs.