Council approves $2.7M Denver Steel waterline project and $2M aquatic center upgrades

Los Alamos County's Board of Public Utilities made significant strides during their recent meeting on May 21, 2025, approving key projects aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and services.

The board greenlit the Denver Steel's waterline replacement project, allocating approximately $2.7 million for phases 2 and 3. This decision is expected to improve water delivery and reliability for residents, with the project being presented by James Martinez, who effectively addressed community inquiries.

In another major development, the board approved a $2 million services agreement with Leisure Pools for resurfacing and maintenance improvements at the aquatic center. This project, set to begin in March 2026 and conclude by October 2026, aims to minimize disruption for local swim teams and pool users. The decision to secure the contractor now is strategic, ensuring availability amidst high demand.

The meeting also featured a quarterly financial overview, introducing an interactive tool called Open Finance. This platform will allow residents to explore how public funds are allocated, with a reported $88.7 million spent on vendor payments in the last quarter, highlighting the financial transparency efforts of the county.

Additionally, the board discussed the community broadband network, which is progressing into its design phase. A $35 million capital improvement project is on the horizon, with construction anticipated to start in June 2026. However, officials cautioned that geological challenges could impact costs, particularly if drilling encounters more rock than expected.

The board appointed Eric Stromberg to a five-year term on the BPU board, recognizing his valuable skills for the role. Lastly, the county announced plans to install four new weather stations to provide real-time lightning alerts, enhancing community safety.

These initiatives reflect Los Alamos County's commitment to improving infrastructure and public safety, with ongoing efforts to engage the community in these developments.