Taos Council approves airport water MOA, change order and snow‑equipment building contract totaling more than $1.6 million

The Taos Town Council took several actions on March 10 to advance utility and infrastructure work at the Taos Regional Airport.

Assistant Town Manager Mark Flores and Project Manager Brian Cribben described a memorandum of agreement with the El Prado Water and Sanitation District under which the district will design and construct a water meter vault and master meter at the airport; the town will reimburse eligible construction costs. Cribben said El Prado’s board had unanimously approved entering the agreement with the town.

Council then approved change order No. 2 with Dub L E LLC for additional interconnect utility line work required to provide water and utility services to the airport terminal. Staff said the change order amount is $743,865.50 exclusive of New Mexico gross receipts tax and that the additional work is required to ensure utilities are in place for terminal build‑out and occupancy.

Finally, staff presented the results of ITB 25‑26‑04 for construction of a snow‑removal equipment building at the airport. After a bid review and recommendation by staff, council awarded the contract to BNR Construction as the responsive and responsible bidder; the contract price discussed was $926,014.50 exclusive of gross receipts tax. Airport staff noted the new building is included in the town’s five‑year CIP and that an NMDOT aviation plan may support additional snow equipment purchases.

All three items were approved after motions and voice votes. Councilors and staff emphasized the items will keep airport projects on schedule and support operations during winter months.