By Sunni Battin
Sun Correspondent
The City of Gallup is on its way to its goal of six wells.
On Dec. 16, the Gallup city council gave approval for the application of a WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficient Grant that if granted would go toward the construction of a new potable water well and amenities for the City of Gallup.
“This is due to a postponement of the Navajo-Gallup Water Project,” Jacqueline Leyba, the city’s deputy CFO, explained. “This grant is 100% reimbursable. It is a $9.5 million grant with a $500,000 match which we are matching with possible water trust board loan grant funds.”
The city was notified Jan. 6 that the grant was awarded. The deadline for finishing the NGWSP is December 2029. It was originally supposed to be finished in 2024, but the acquisition of the San Juan Generating Station and its incorporation into the NGWSP caused delays.
According to the Bureau of the Reclamation’s website, once the project is completely finished it will serve as a dependable water source that will include the City of Gallup and have 300 miles of pipeline, two water treatment plants, and 19 pumping plants.
The city has 16 wells and intends to keep using wells “to supply the Gallup area” according to Jan Boone, acting water/wastewater director.
At the Jan. 14 city council meeting, Mayor Louie Bonaguidi asked Boone how many new wells the city currently needs. In the past few years, the city has been able to build three of the necessary six. Boone said the WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficient Grant would cover the cost of the fourth well.
The city council approved the grant award and the adjustment of $9.5 million to the city’s budget during the recent meeting.
