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File #: 19391-24    Version: 1
Type: Briefing/Report (Dept,BCC) - Action Requested Status: Business
File created: 11/18/2024 In control: County Council - Regular Session
On agenda: 12/3/2024 Final action:
Title: Possible Action on the MOA25-924 Memorandum of Agreement with City of Espanola and Rio Arriba County for Regional Landfill Study
Presenters: Juan Rael; Linda Matteson
Indexes (Council Goals): Environmental Stewardship - Waste Management, Quality Governance - Intergovernmental and Regional Relations
Attachments: 1. A - MOA25-924_Regional Landfill Feasibility Study

Title

Possible Action on the MOA25-924 Memorandum of Agreement with City of Espanola and Rio Arriba County for Regional Landfill Study

Recommended Action

I move that Council approve MOA25-924 Memorandum of Agreement with City of Espanola and Rio Arriba County for Regional Landfill Study.

County Manager's Recommendation

The County Manager recommends that Council approve MOA25-924 as requested.

Body

Los Alamos County as well as its neighboring communities, the City of Espanola, and Rio Arriba County, truck solid waste to a landfill located in Sandoval County due to the lack of a landfill within a shorter distance.  The Sandoval County landfill is scheduled to close within the next several years.  During several conversations with our neighboring communities, the issue of the need for a regional landfill was brought to our attention by our neighbors.  It is anticipated that a regional landfill within a 20 to 30 mile radius would save Los Alamos County money as well as reduce our carbon footprint.  Seeing the benefits of a possible regional landfill, discussions with our neighboring communities led to informal agreement that studying the possibility for a future regional landfill would be advantageous.  During FY2025 budget hearings, Los Alamos County Council approved a budget option for a feasibility study.  In order to leverage the strengths and assets of all three communities, the attached MOA, MOA24-924, was developed.  The City of Espanola and Rio Arriba County have both officially agreed. 

Alternatives

Council could decide to not approve this MOA or ask for changes to the MOA.  Any changes would require the MOA to return to both the City of Espanola and Rio Arriba County for approval. 

Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item

There is minimal fiscal and staff impact on this item.  The feasibility study noted in the MOA is in the FY2025 Public Works budget.

Attachments

A - MOA25-924_Regional Landfill Feasibility Study