Alcalde Flood Control Channel Improvement
The Alcalde Erosion Committee represented by Elizabeth Salazar received an Upper Rio Grande Watershed District Special Projects grant to provide channel improvements for flood alleviation. The Alcalde Flood Control Channel Improvements project was completed by E&E Excavation of Petaca, NM per the plans and specifications, on time and within budget. The project included clearing the channel, grading, and shaping the flood control channel, and constructing three riprap check dams. The following are before and after photos of the Alcalde Flood Control Channel Improvements.
The Upper Rio Grande Watershed District was created to enhance local ecosystems, improve water quality, and create a healthy watershed. This is done by participating in programs to protect communities, farms, ranches, acequias, and water infrastructure systems from flooding and minimizing sediment damage. The URGWD also views the water resources of the District as central to the historic, cultural, economic, and ecological fabric of the communities.
To assist in meeting its mission statement, the URGWD has created a special project grant program that is funded annually, distributed in the community, and will address projects proposed by the community that address specific flooding problems, water quality issues, sediment damage, and erosion control. Grants will be awarded to successful applicants in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per project. Applications will be accepted from Acequia Commissions, Ohkay Owingeh, City of Espanola, non-profit organizations, other quasi-government organizations, and from individuals or groups of individuals that meet all criteria and are located within the Upper Rio Grande Watershed District's boundaries.
A committee comprised of URGWD Board Members and/or staff will review applications for funding based on specific criteria such as addressing an immediate health or safety concern, alleviating potential flooding, controlling erosion and/or sediment accumulation, a complete application, being shovel-ready, and having any additional agreements and permits as required to build the project. The proposed project is required to be completed with the awarded URGWD grant funds or a combination of other secured funds.