Santa Fe – Today the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), State Parks Division announces they are the recipient of a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) Grant in the amount of $10,422,000, in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). BOR matching funds are $1,000,000 and the state matching funds are $860,000 for a total project amount of $12,282,000. The funds will be spent on a road safety improvement project at Lakeshore Road, a major access route to the west and north sides of Elephant Butte Reservoir at Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Lakeshore Road provides the only access to housing subdivisions, Elephant Butte Reservoir Lake, and emergency access to the north part of the Reservoir. Lakeshore Road acts as a bypass for nearby I-25 when the interstate is temporarily closed for emergencies.
“This grant provides an opportunity to improve the visitor experience by improving park infrastructure – a top priority for the State Parks Division,” said State Parks Division Director Christy Tafoya.
The road has been damaged by heavy rainstorms, flooding and washouts that can cause serious public safety threats. Maintenance efforts have been in place although they do not adequately address the full extent of the problem. This project will address safety concerns for five sites along Lakeshore Road with drainage structures and will resolve the drainage issue through two new bridges, additional culverts, and channel improvements. The upgrades are necessary to avoid continued deterioration of the roadway.
EMNRD has entered into an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and the BOR to lead the design and construction project. Engineering and design for this project are currently underway and construction dates will be communicated to the community once they are finalized.