Title
Approval of Submission of an Application to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) Hazard Mitigation Grant for Emergency Generators
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the submission of an application to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) for emergency generators in an amount not to exceed $388,000 and authorize the Utilities Manager to sign the application.
Utilities Manager's Recommendation
The Utilities Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Board of Public Utilities approved recommending this request at their regular meeting on October 23, 2024 and recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Body
Los Alamos County Emergency Management and DPU-Water Production Division are preparing a grant application through New Mexico DHSEM to use FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to purchase a backup portable generator for the County’s water production and distribution system. The generator will serve a critical function by ensuring continued water supply during emergency events, particularly in wildfire-prone conditions, such as those experienced during the Cerro Pelado Fire.
The Guaje Canyon Water Production Train includes one municipal water well, a booster station, and a chlorine disinfection and injection system, which supply water to the community. During prolonged power outages, such as those caused by wildfires, the system is vulnerable. Without a generator, the ability to maintain water pressure and supply is compromised, endangering both life and property.
The Guaje Canyon water production system is fed from a single distribution power supply line that consists of a load break switch and connection point for an emergency external power supply source - it is already configured to accept power from a large generator. This system was installed and has been tested with a generator that was borrowed from the UAMPS power pool organization during the 2022 Cerro Pelado wildfire. During the Cerro Pelado Fire, Los Alamos County had to rent a generator to maintain the water distribution system, accruing costs of $25,350 over two months. Historical wildfire events, including the Las Conchas Fire and Cerro Grande Fire, have also demonstrated the necessity of reliable backup power to protect the water supply, which is critical for firefighting efforts.
The purchase of a 700kW generator will provide long-term resilience, ensuring the water production system remains operational during future wildfire events and other emergencies. This project aligns with the National Priority of Enhancing Community Preparedness and will reduce risks identified in the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. The generator will be stored primarily at the Guaje Fill Booster Station, with Otowi Well #2 serving as a backup storage location. Both storage locations will allow for rapid deployment to the water production system when needed. With wildfires occurring frequently, as seen in Los Alamos County's history, this generator will play a vital role in protecting the community, ensuring uninterrupted water supply, and enhancing the County's preparedness for future hazards.
There is a 25% match for this grant. Attachment A shows the Grant Matrix which gives details about this specific grant and shows both Utility Manager and County Manager approval.
Alternatives
If approval to apply for this grant is not approved, the generators will not be purchased or will need to be budgeted in DPU's FY2026 budget without an associated funding source.
Fiscal and Staff Impact
Maintenance for the emergency generators will be budgeted in DPU operational budgets for future years.
Attachments
A - Grant Analysis and Financial Matrix