The Bernalillo Town Council this week unanimously approved the top five ranked projects for the 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP), with an estimated cost of $31.95 million.
At the June 24 council meeting, Mayor Jack Torres and the council identified and ranked their top five priorities on the ICIP wish list for state funding, with the new fire station securing the top position.
The town is currently awaiting a detailed project estimate from the engineering firm Molzen Corbin, but the estimated cost for the project is $5 million to $7 million. The initial plan involves locating the fire station at the old Roosevelt Elementary School and potentially using the abandoned school building as part of the living quarters for the firefighters. The town has already secured $4.1 million for the project.
The second and third projects on the list are water-related.
Number two is renovating the wastewater treatment plant, which carries an estimated cost of $16 million, making it the most expensive of the projects. As of now, the town has $750,000 allocated to the project and is requesting an additional $15.75 million.
Third on the list are improvements to the Bernalillo water system, with an estimated cost of $3.15 million. The town is requesting $2.5 million, having secured $750,000 in previous funding. To revitalize the aging water system, the town plans to enhance its three water wells with treatment systems, upgrade four water storage reservoir tanks and replace and relocate water mains and service lines.
Ranked fourth on the list is the rehabilitation of the Molino Building, which is estimated at $3.2 million. Situated next to the Rail Runner station in downtown Bernalillo, the historical structure is earmarked for renovation to serve as the Bernalillo Community Museum, visitor center and gift shop.
The final item on the top five list is to convert public buildings to be more energy efficient. Estimated at $5 million, these improvements are slated for the town hall, the police department, public works buildings, the library, as well as the recreation and senior centers.
The building improvements may encompass installing LED lighting, solar panels, water-conserving appliances, solar HVAC units and electric vehicle charging stations.
Traditionally, the governing body ranks only its top five priorities, allowing the town staff to rank the remaining items on the list.
“To be honest with you, if we ever get full funding for our top five and get down to the sixth through whatever, I’ll be shocked,” Torres said. “I mean, it’s important, but realistically, the top five are the ones that we really have an opportunity for.”
Get involved
The next town council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. July 8 at the Town Hall Council Chambers, 829 Camino del Pueblo.