Major improvements to Carlsbad’s sewer system are forthcoming after $4 million in State funding was secured by the City of Carlsbad.
Aug. 24, Carlsbad’s City Council approved two Capital Outlay appropriations for a sewer line extension along Old Cavern Highway and renovations at the Bataan Sanitary Sewer Lift Station, said City of Carlsbad Utilities Director Ron Myers.
According to the New Mexico Legislature’s website, Capital Outlay funds are used to build, improve or equip physical property that will be used by the public.
“In New Mexico, state capital outlay is authorized by the Legislature and generally is nonrecurring – one-time – money. Because of provisions in the New Mexico Constitution, capital outlay can only be used for government-owned facilities,” per the website.
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Earlier this year, New Mexico lawmakers set aside $2.7 million to plan, design, construct, equip and install a sewer line extension on Old Cavern Highway from Farris Street to Chapman Road, read a City Council document.
During the meeting, Ward 4 City Councilor Mark Walterscheid asked Deputy City Administrator KC Cass if the street surface on Old Cavern Highway would be torn up while the new sewer line is installed.
“It’s our intent to do the water, sewer, and road (work at the same time),” Cass said. “So, to make just one fairly substantial impact to the area, but get it done.”
State lawmakers set aside $1.4 million in Capital Outlay funds for improvements to the Bataan Sewer Lift Station, Myers said.
The City plans to design, construct, improve, repair, replace and equip the main sewer system, according to Myers.
The Bataan Sewer Lift Station is a major priority for the City of Carlsbad, according to the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) approved by City Council.
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Since the City acquired the State money, an additional $1.5 million was sought in 2023, per the ICIP.
City officials estimated the total cost of the project at $2.9 million, read the ICIP.
“This is a really great project and a real great need in our city,” Cass said.
He said the current structure at the Bataan Sewer Lift Station was antiquated.
“It will get rid of the dilapidated structure over the current lift station and modernize it all,” Cass said.
Myers said State funded both projects 100 percent and no matching funds were required from the City of Carlsbad.
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Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
