Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 25-06, A Resolution of Support Authorizing Application for Funding Assistance to the New Mexico Department of Transportation through the Federal Fiscal Year 2026+ Transportation Alternatives Program and Recreational Trails Program for the Rehabilitation of the NM4 Trail and Canyon Rim Trail
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 25-06, A Resolution of Support Authorizing Application for Funding Assistance to the New Mexico Department of Transportation through the Federal Fiscal Year 2026+ Transportation Alternatives Program and Recreational Trails Program for the Rehabilitation of the NM4 Trail and Canyon Rim Trail.
County Manager’s Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that the Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 25-06.
Body
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has announced a call for projects under the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for funding cycle FFY2026+ and established an application submittal deadline of March 14, 2025. The application requires a resolution of sponsorship as part of the application process. Design and construction activities, along with construction management needs, are eligible through these funding programs.
The NM4 Trail runs along the south side of NM4 between Monte Rey Drive and Rover Blvd. The segment of trail between Monte Rey Drive and Sherwood Blvd. was originally constructed in the early 1990’s and repaved around 2007/2008. Periodic maintenance has been most recently performed in 2021 when cracks were repaired and fog seal applied.
The Canyon Rim Trail between Fire Station #6 and the Underpass Trailhead to the east was originally constructed in 2010. Periodic maintenance has been most recently performed in 2021 when cracks were repaired and fog seal applied.
Both trails are experiencing reappearance of cracks with the fog seal almost fully oxidized from UV exposure. The pavement is nearing the end of its life and further maintenance activities will have diminishing returns. On reviewing the structure of the trails (Generally 2-3” Asphalt over Base Course) it has been determined that a rehabilitation through Process in Place and Compaction (PPC) with a 2” asphalt overlay is the best course of action.
With the rehabilitation of the NM4 Trail, there are a total of 8 curb ramps at roadway crossings for which need to be brought into ADA compliance.
With the rehabilitation of the Canyon Rim Trail, new drainage structures and erosion control features are needed at several locations to prevent damage and sediment buildup on the trail due to drainage run-off from NM502.
Maps of the proposed projects have been attached (Attachment A) for reference.
In January, the County submitted a Project Feasibility Form (PFF) to the Northern Pueblos Regional Transportation Planning Organization (NPRTPO) as part of the application process. In February, a project review meeting with representatives from the NMDOT and NPRTPO was held to discuss the project scope. This project was deemed eligible for TAP and RTP funding and a recommendation to apply was made.
If the application is successful, the County anticipates a project award of TAP and/or RTP funding for project Construction in FFY2026. Construction is estimated to cost $830,000. If funding is awarded, it would be comprised of $709,152 (85.44%) in federal funds and would require a county match of $120,848 (14.56%).
As part of the Grant Application, the County must provide a resolution affirming its commitment to fund, build, and maintain the project. Resolution No.25-06 has been prepared to meet these requirements. The Resolution has been advertised as required. A copy of Resolution No.25-06 and the Notice of Legal Publication is attached for reference (Attachments B and C).
Alternatives
Failure to approve the resolution will result in the County being ineligible to apply for or receive TAP or RTP funds for FFY2026+.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
County match funds could potentially come from Budget Savings from other CIP Projects. Should the County receive the grant award, staff will return to Council with a Budget Revision to establish the formal project budget.
Attachments
A - Project Map
B - Resolution No. 25-06
C - Notice of Legal Publication
D - Grant Analysis and Financial Matrix Form