Safety is always our number one priority, and when waters were coming in on June 29, our first responders acted very quickly to alert those who were at the greatest risk. This included those who lived near Boyd Drive, those who lived in the James Street area, and the transient population near Lower Tansill Dam. In fact, the transient individuals near Lower Tansill were believed to be at the greatest risk and received the earliest evacuation notice.
More:Carlsbad community comes together to help homeless flood victims
According to the Carlsbad Police Department, officers first went into the Lower Tansill area at around noon to proclaim – both through a bullhorn and through direct communication – the evacuation need – immediately after the risk became apparent. This was about an hour and a half before the water arrived to the area. We were able to confirm, verbally, that there was nobody remaining in the area. We have continued communication as other weather concerns have come up.
Homelessness is not an easy problem to solve. We are proud to support the Community of Hope and the Carlsbad Transitional Housing and Homeless Shelter with their extensive efforts. We also sincerely appreciate the many individuals who have been making donations to support our most vulnerable citizens.
More:Police identify man who died in Carlsbad flooding
Our crews, and Eddy County crews, are still working very hard to clean up the aftermath of last week’s flood. This includes structural damage to the Callaway Drive low water crossing and cleanup at our veteran’s park. The Sitting Bull Falls Recreation area still remains closed to the public while Forest Service crews repair damages that took place there due to the flooding.
In addition to being a great event for residents, our Fourth of July celebration drew a large number of tourists to Carlsbad over the weekend. Hotel owners reported a high number of visitors throughout the holiday. Our restaurants did the best they could, but some were still overwhelmed due to ongoing staffing issues. As you can tell by the “now hiring” banners – there are many, many job openings in Carlsbad right now. We look forward to seeing everyone get back to work.
More:Foundry Home opens in Carlsbad with hopes of helping homeless youth in community
One of several locations where you can search for employment is here: https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/vosnet/Default.aspx
Funeral services for retired Police Captain James B. Williams will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10 at Carlsbad First Assembly Church with the Rev. R. L. Smith Jr. of Mt. Olive Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be 1-6 p.m. Friday, July 9 at Mt. Olive. Please join us in saying farewell to this remarkable Carlsbad resident.
We are also saddened to report that former City of Carlsbad employee Mike Dunagan passed away on June 28, 2021. Dunagan first joined the City of Carlsbad in 1986. He retired as our Deputy Director of Public Works in 2006.
