New Mexico Arroyo Project Increases Flood Protection

In Sandoval County, N.M., an arroyo rehabilitation project has closed down Saratoga Road. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the road is expected to open again when school starts in August. 

The project will provide increased flood protection and reduce the potential for damage to downstream areas with public infrastructure and residential development, according to the Albuquerque Journal. This will include lining the arroyo with concrete to stabilize the soil, installing a storm drain, putting in curbs, and working on roads and storm drainage, according to Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA) website. 

In late May, the work began on the project, and it is expected to finish in October. According to the Albuquerque Journal, it is the second phase of work in the project. The project is being done by Salls Brother Construction and is estimated to be more than a half-mile in length for SSCAFCA. 

The City of Rio Rancho and Rio Rancho Public Schools partnered with SSCAFCA on the $3.4 million project, according to the Albuquerque Journal. The project is funded by a $21 million bond that 62% of voters approved in 2016, state appropriations and Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard-mitigation funds, SSCAFCA Facility Operations Director Dave Gatternman said.