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Engineering firm outlines grant‑funding window for Rio Communities water and wastewater planning
Summary
Bohannon Houston representatives told council the New Mexico Finance Authority TAP program and Water Trust Board offer unusually strong planning grants now; they recommended pursuing a PER/master plan as the first step toward capital funding and answered questions about converting private water systems to public service.
Donzo Worthington and Todd Burt of Bohannon Houston described their firm's experience building PERs and master plans for municipal water and wastewater systems in New Mexico and recommended planning as a first step to access capital grants. ‘‘Right now is probably one of the better times we've seen in recent history when there's funding available to support those type of efforts,’’ Donzo said, citing the TAP technical assistance program and the Water Trust Board as sources that can fund preliminary engineering or master plans at close to 100% in many cases.
Council members asked whether Bohannon could help evaluate converting private water and wastewater systems and pursue grants; Bohannon said a master plan would analyze options (parallel service, joint projects, or municipal takeover) and the firm can help with applications. The city manager said staff will place a technical‑assistance application on a future agenda if council gives direction.
