From a Press Release
The City of Española broke ground, Feb. 26, on the first of three water projects funded with $17,588,000 awarded from the New Mexico Water Trust Board. Mayor John Ramon Vigil and city councilors held the groundbreaking ceremony for a new water well and well house at the Prince-Carter Ranch at the north edge of the city.
“We’re so excited about the groundbreaking for the new well,” Vigil said. “This is a testament to the investment in our utility system and the Española Valley.”
The well will be approximately 410 feet deep and, along with a well house and utility connections, will cost $2,710,000. The remaining award funds will be used for projects to store and deliver water including $278,000 to rehabilitate existing water tanks, and $14,600,000 to install new waterlines along south Riverside Drive.
City officials said the new water lines will increase development opportunities and improve fire protection for the city’s south side. This is the first time since 2005 that Española has received Water Trust Board funds.
The well project and tank rehabilitation are expected to be completed later this year. City officials are coordinating with the New Mexico Department of Transportation on the Riverside Drive project to schedule the work in conjunction with DOT’s planned repaving in the area.
“The Prince-Carter Ranch has some of the best water in the valley,” Vigil said. “It will be distributed throughout the system to all parts of the city.”
The city purchased the 60-acre ranch in 2003.