Las Cruces approves applications, loan documents for water system upgrades and lead-service-line work

The Las Cruces City Council on Oct. 6 approved city staff's applications for three Water Trust Board projects and authorized New Mexico Finance Authority loan documents tied to drinking-water improvements, including a loan application for a $15 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund project to support lead service line replacement.

Council approved Resolution 26-050 allowing staff to submit three Water Trust Board funding applications and voted to authorize ordinance action to accept Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) financing if awarded. The items passed by council vote as presented.

Grant applications described by Gabriela Pretz, the city's grant manager, include:

- SCADA upgrade (West Mesa): $427,420 requested to replace obsolete remote terminal units at seven sites; match will be set by the Water Trust Board at award time (estimated match range unknown until awards are made).

- Well 66 and related pipeline: $2,558,800 requested to equip well 66 with a vertical turbine pump, well house, gas engine, appurtenances and to construct well head piping and a transmission line; match portion will be determined by the Water Trust Board at award time.

- Highway 292 Wastewater Force Main: $1,526,600 requested to replace roughly 5,700 linear feet of existing ductile iron pipe with 18-inch PVC; this is the first year…