Los Lunas describes project wish list

October 09, 2009

The Village of Los Lunas has prepared its wish list of major projects, highlighting the direction the village will take in the coming years.

The village’s Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) will be submitted to the State of New Mexico, so the state and legislators know what projects Los Lunas wants funded. Typically, only the top five projects receive money, but this year, with the state’s budget deficit now estimated at $700 million, the village isn’t expecting much funding from the state.

“We shouldn’t be too optimistic about getting state funds,” Peter Fernandez, the village administrator, told councilors. “In fact, we’re trying to do everything we can to hang onto the funds we do have.”

For 2011, the village is asking for $27.8 million worth of project funding. The village is concentrating on constructing a new westside fire substation to service the houses and businesses located near the Interstate 25 interchange.

“It’s our number one priority,” Fernandez said of the estimated $3.5-million project.

Second in line for funding is reconstruction of Highway 314 south of Main Street, with previous council conversations centered around adding lighting and sidewalks, among other things. The village also wants to work on Highway 314 north of Main Street at a later time.

“We’re in the process of doing some work in the next six months on New Mexico 314 through some stimulus funds,” Fernandez said.

The village also has plans to continue the expansion of the Los Lunas Rail Runner Express station. The first goal, and priority number three on the ICIP, is to add parking east of the station. The village expects more parking in coming years both south and north of the station.

Fourth on the list of priorities is an extension of Morris Road costing just under $2 million. The extension would be from west of Sichler Road to Camelot Boulevard.

Rounding out the top five is to improve water service infrastructure east of the Rio Grande.

Beyond the top five, the list also includes a request of $5.5 million for a family health clinic. The village has been working with First Choice Community Healthcare and United States Rep. Harry Teague to build such a facility to replace the existing First Choice facility.

The village council is seeking money for better drainage at the Los Morros Industrial Park, improvements to parks and sports facilities, a community indoor aquatic center and a landfill.

By 2013, the village hopes to have $40 million for a new I-25 interchange and bridge, which is a part of an ongoing Mid-Region Council of Government’s study of where to place them. That year, it also would like to get $1.5 million for utility improvement along Edeal Road in anticipation of a new subdivision.

By 2015, the village wants $4.3 million to construct a new library and $2.5 million to build a convention center.

The ICIP contains 51 project proposals totaling $121.7 million in costs.

Posted in: Fire Infrastructure