Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a total of over $6 million to four flood control and watershed projects in New Mexico.

"The Army Corps of Engineers has been instrumental in helping New Mexico community's address water and flood control projects.  The funding being awarded today will help Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Questa and Hatch with their projects," Bingaman said.

"I am pleased to see the Army Corps of Engineers is funding these important flood management and environmental restoration projects in 2012 in Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Questa and Hatch," Udall said.  "New Mexicans know that when the rains come, flooding and erosion is a major threat, so we will continue to work with the Corps to implement flood protections."

The following projects will receive funding:

• $4.2 million for a Alamogordo Flood Risk Management Project: Funding would be used to continue construction to mitigated frequent flooding.  Two floods in 2006 caused $7 million damage.  The project received $1.6 million in fiscal year 2011.
• $1.65 million - Las Cruces Dam Environmental Restoration Project: Proposed improvements include construction of two seasonal wetlands using reclaimed grey water, restoration of riparian vegetation and native Chihuahuan desert vegetation, designated scenic overlooks, wildlife observation areas, trails with interpretive features, and a parking facility for visitors and users of the open space. Funds are needed to initiate the design and implementation phase and award the construction project.  The project received $128,870 in fiscal year 2011.
• $146,172 for Steambank Erosion Control along Cabresto Creek in Questa: Funding will be used to help address streambank erosion along Cabresto Creek. Summer "monsoon" rains have caused Cabresto Creek to overflow resulting in substantial bank erosion and damage to the adjacent roadway and drainage infrastructure.   Funds are needed to complete the ongoing feasibility phase, execute Project Partnership Agreement and initiate design and implementation phase.  The project received $83,828 in fiscal year 2011.
• $50,000 for a Hatch Flood Risk Management Project: Funding will be used for an ongoing feasibility study for a flood reduction plan.  The most recent flood occurred in July 2006 from Placitas Arroyo. The project received $193,303 in fiscal year 2011.