Title
Approval of Department of Public Utilities Application to the New Mexico Finance and Administration Capital Development Program Fund for a Grant to Fund EA-4 Power Line Replacement from Pajarito Cliffs Site to Rendija Road
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the Department of Public Utilities application for grant funding from New Mexico Finance and Administration Capital Development Program Fund to support construction of the EA-4 electric line replacement from Pajarito Cliff Site to Rendija Road.
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 reviewed this request at their regular meeting on September 16, 2027 and recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Body
Last year staff applied to the State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (ENMRD) Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECAM), Grid Modernization Grant Program and was not successful in receiving the grant. This program was designed to serve microgrid and renewable type project which the EA-4 Power line replacement did not best fit.
The New Mexico Finance and Administration, Capital Development Program Fund program has proposed $30 Million to be funded by the New Mexico Legislature for projects that do not meet other state funded grant program criteria. There is a 25% match requirement, and awards are planned for July 1, 2027. Since the EA-4 Power Line Replacement is proposed to be state grant funded in both FY27 and FY28 this grant request fits within DPU’s CIP program. Given the 25% match requirement, if the grant is advanced through next year’s legislative session, then DPU will budget for a $1,250,000 CIP match. Applications are due September 28th.
The rebuild of the overhead EA4 power line from PCS to Rendija Canyon is designed and shovel ready for a construction bid.
Fiscal an...
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