Council authorizes $2 million NMED package for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and assigns signing authorities

The Los Alamos County Council on Sept. 9 authorized an agreement with the New Mexico Environment Department under the Rural Infrastructure Program to fund planned upgrades at the Los Alamos wastewater treatment plant.

Staff described the package as $1,750,000 in project loan funds at 1% accrued interest plus $250,000 in loan subsidy grant funds, for a combined $2,000,000 assistance package. Project work identified for the funding includes concrete repairs to large aeration basins, replacement of the fine screen, replacement of the ultraviolet disinfection system, HVAC improvements and miscellaneous electrical upgrades. Public Works staff said the projects are planned capital improvements and that, if approved, the county would finalize the agreement over the following two months and aim to begin work by early next year with construction continuing through approximately May.

Council adopted Ordinance 745 authorizing the county to enter the loan agreement. In a related resolution (25-19), the council assigned signatory authority to the council chair or the utilities manager and delegated reimbursement document handling to finance staff. Both the ordinance and the signatory resolution passed unanimously by roll call, 6–0, with one member absent.

Councilors asked no substantive questions during the presentation. Staff said administrative follow-up will include execution of the loan documents, establishing reimbursement procedures, and reporting progress to council.