County of Los Alamos - File #: 21743-26

• File #: 21743-26
• Version: 1
• Type: Briefing/Report (Dept,BCC) - Action Requested
• Status: Business
• File created: 5/22/2026
• In control: County Council - Regular Session
• On agenda: 6/9/2026
• Title: Approval of Budget Revision 2026-80 for FEMA Grant to Fund the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project - Electrical Undergrounding in the Federal Share Amount of $2,632,746.18 and accept sub-grant agreement DR-4652-0006-NM
• Presenters: James Martinez; Joann Gentry; Melissa Dadzie
• Indexes (Council Goals): Quality Excellence - Effective, Efficient, and Reliable Services, Quality Governance - Fiscal Stewardship, Quality of Life - Open Space, Parks, and Recreation, DPU FY26 - 1.0 Provide Safe and Reliable Utility Services, DPU FY26 - 2.0 Achieve and Maintain Excellence in Financial Performance
• Related files: 21743-26a

Title

Approval of Budget Revision 2026-80 for FEMA Grant to Fund the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project - Electrical Undergrounding in the Federal Share Amount of $2,632,746.18 and accept sub-grant agreement DR-4652-0006-NM

Recommended Action

I move that Council approve Budget Revision 2026-80 (Attachment C) for a FEMA grant to fund the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project - Electrical Undergrounding in the Federal share amount of $2,632,746.18, available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) under FEMA-DR-4652-NM; the non-federal match requirement is $842,770.27 for a total project cost of $3,475,516.45. 

I further move that Council accept New Mexico Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) sub-grant agreement DR-4652-0006-NM and authorize the County Manager to sign this agreement in Attachment B.

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 this request at their work session on June 3, 2026 and recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.

Body

Los Alamos County was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Assistance Listing 97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to receive a Federal share in the amount of $2,632,746.18, which is available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) under FEMA-DR-4652-NM. The non-federal match requirement of $842,770.27 will be provided by Los Alamos County. Total amount awarded is $3,475,516.45.  These numbers represent a 25% local match with FEMA’s 75% federal match for electrical undergrounding and removal of the overhead power lines.  During windstorms there have been trees that have crossed the overhead powerlines and have caused fires.  The additional benefit is bringing power to the four water booster pump stations that will allow for water to be pumped...