In a recent Public Works & Committee Meeting held by the Santa Fe City Council, significant strides were discussed regarding the city’s emergency management and sustainability initiatives. Interim Director of Emergency Management, Kyle Morgan, presented an update on the citywide hazard mitigation plan, which was developed in 2020. This plan aims to enhance community resilience by identifying critical infrastructure that requires backup power capabilities, particularly in light of increasing power outages.

The city is leveraging a grant from the now-defunct FEMA program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, to fund this initiative. Morgan emphasized the dual benefits of the project: improving community resilience and advancing sustainability measures. The plan includes enhancing backup power for essential services, such as water supply and wastewater management, ensuring that these services remain operational during power outages.

Director Wheeler elaborated on the project’s specifics, highlighting the city’s existing solar resources, which exceed 6 megawatts. Recent projects have successfully installed additional solar capacity, and the city is now looking to integrate battery storage and microgrid technology. This approach not only aims to provide power during outages but also to reduce energy costs by managing demand more effectively when connected to the grid.

The discussion also touched on the potential for tax credits and incentives related to renewable energy projects, which could further support the city’s sustainability goals. Councilor Romero Wirth raised questions about the status of these infrastructure tax credits, confirming that the city has already received significant funding and is positioned to apply for more in the near future.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure resilience while promoting sustainable energy practices. As Santa Fe prepares to implement these initiatives, the community can anticipate improved reliability of essential services and a proactive approach to managing energy resources. The next steps will involve further planning and potential construction, with the city poised to adapt to any changes in funding landscapes as they arise.