ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a contract to a Virginia-based company to repair a dam along the Rio Chama in northern New Mexico.
The agency announced Friday that the two-phased contract with CARPI USA Inc. is worth up to $16.7 million.
A study determined that El Vado Dam needed to be repaired to reduce seepage and erosion. Repairs will include the installation of a liner on the upstream face of the dam. A separate contract will be awarded later for replacement of the spillway.
The first phase will involve designs and specifications for the project. The second phase will include grouting, repair and prep work prior to installing the liner. Officials say the second phase is subject to the availability of funds.
Water stored at El Vado is used by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District to meet the needs of the several pueblos in central New Mexico. The irrigation district will be responsible for 15% of the repair costs.
Water operations will continue as usual this year as the Bureau of Reclamation moves toward construction in the latter half of 2021. The first phase of construction is expected to last about a year.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.