Shovel Ready
The concept of “shovel-ready” infrastructure is especially powerful when it comes to waterline replacement projects, and it can make all the difference in securing grant funding. A project is considered shovel-ready when:
- All design and engineering plans are complete
- Necessary permits and approvals are secured
- Environmental reviews (if applicable) are done
- The project is ready to begin construction immediately upon funding
Cities that show they’ve done the groundwork of design, permitting, and stakeholder coordination are more likely to receive funding because it proves they’ll use the money efficiently and deliver timely results. Funding agencies prioritize shovel-ready projects because:
- They reduce administrative delays
- They show fiscal responsibility and preparedness
- They align with federal goals for quick infrastructure deployment
- They often qualify for priority consideration or accelerated funding
A key strength of the city’s shovel-ready project is its state of preparedness. The project is scheduled to go out to bid shortly, with construction anticipated to begin in the near term. This accelerated timeline reflects a response to challenges encountered in earlier phases of the comprehensive plan. The time to request funding and approval for infrastructure projects can be extensive and costs associated with the estimate can increase. In order to maintain momentum, select segments from the other water projects, like WSPI-1, were removed from their respective projects and placed into the shovel-ready phase. The benefit of this movement was that shovel ready, is indeed, shovel ready, allowing for a quicker construction start date.
| UPDATE: 1/16/2026 | Shovel Ready Project #2500015900 |
| PURPOSE | The purpose of this project is to implement a shovel-ready phase of the city’s comprehensive waterline replacement plan, with the goal of accelerating infrastructure improvements. Shovel-ready status is a critical asset in the current funding landscape. This project combines waterline replacement sections drawn from other projects where estimated construction costs increased and could not be completed under their original plan. This project offers a streamlined path to implementation that reduces administrative delays, controls costs, and delivers timely results. By proactively segmenting and advancing this phase, the city has positioned itself to capitalize on available funding opportunities and deliver essential waterline improvements with efficiency and impact. |
| TIMELINE | Work began on 1/16/2026 in the 9th Street area. See the estimated timeline below, under "Resources." |
| SCOPE | The project includes six project sections, totaling approximately 16,997 linear feet of pipeline. 1) Along S. Broadway, starting at Cook St. and ending at Morgan St. 2) Along McAdoo & Daniels, starting at Main St. and ending at N. Broadway St. 3) Along E. 9th & N. Ash, starting at N. Pershing and ending at E. 8th 4) Along E. 8th & N. Silver St., starting at N. Ash and ending at E. 9th 5) Along E. 2nd St, starting at N. Ash St. and ending at N. Silver St. 6) Along S. Date St. & E. Riverside St., starting at S. Broadway St. and ending at S. Cedar St. |
| BENEFITS | Benefits of the project lie in the completion of six project portions that tie into the completion of the remaining phases of the overall replacement project. Waterline replacement may improve water quality, protect public health, and enhance system reliability by eliminating aging or lead-contaminated pipes. It may help prevent leaks, boost water pressure, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. These upgrades may also support water conservation, increase property values, and make communities more competitive for infrastructure funding. |
| DISRUPTIONS | Primary disruptions will occur on streets and intersections covered in the scope of the plan. |
| FUNDING | —NMFA Colonias 2024 CIF 6441— There is a 10% loan in the amount of $440,000 and 90% grant in the amount of $3,960,000. Loan component is 20-year term at interest rate of .25% (0% interest rate with administrative fee component of 1/4 of 1%). There is a cash match requirement of $440,000 —Capital Outlay SAP 14-I2460-GF Amount of $4,400,000 |
| TOTAL FUNDING FOR PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | Between $9 million and $9.5 million; contract awarded for $5,765,435.12 pending New Mexico Environment Department concurrence. |
| MITIGATION STRATEGIES | The city's Daupler system may be employed to notify residents and businesses of closures, along with social media posts and placement on the city website. Contractors are to keep construction areas clean and clear of debris that would encumber pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. To maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety, clearly marked alternative routes and detour signage will be provided in coordination with the city's Street Department. These efforts are designed to ensure transparency, minimize inconvenience, and maintain community trust throughout the project. |
| ENGINEER | Wilson & Company (design and construction oversight) |
| CONTRACTORS | J & H Services, Inc. (Notice of Award at 10/22/2025 Regular Commission Meeting) |
| RESOURCES | Notice of award and agreement for J & H. Project timeline (subject to changes) |