NEWS RELEASE: City of Las Vegas Advances Debris Removal Efforts Along the Gallinas River
- asalas843
- 34 minutes ago
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Las Vegas, NM — The City of Las Vegas announces that work on the Gallinas River Park Debris Removal Project did resume Thursday, May 21, along the river corridor between Mills Avenue and Grand Avenue.
The announcement was made during a Wednesday morning press conference attended by city officials, project partners, contractors, and community stakeholders. Officials provided updates regarding project operations, environmental compliance measures, long-term watershed recovery efforts, and the next steps of emergency mitigation work associated with impacts from the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
The Gallinas River Park Debris Removal Project focuses on removing accumulated sediment and debris deposited throughout the river corridor following repeated flooding and high-water events after the wildfire severely impacted the upper Gallinas watershed. Officials stated the project is intended to improve channel capacity, support storm water conveyance, reduce flood risks, protect infrastructure, and enhance long-term public safety and environmental recovery efforts within the Gallinas River corridor.
Mayor David Romero emphasized the continued need for the project, noting that debris accumulation within the Gallinas River remains an ongoing concern as monsoon season approaches. Romero reaffirmed the City’s commitment to transparency, public safety, and long-term watershed protection while stressing the importance of proactive mitigation efforts due to the river’s path through the center of the community.
Public Works Director Arnold Lopez discussed the phased project operations, which include debris and sediment removal, hauling and disposal operations, and final site stabilization and restoration efforts. Lopez stated that approximately 10,000 cubic yards of material were identified for removal through project evaluations, with nearly 2,220 cubic yards completed to date. The project is expected to be completed within the next 60 days. Lopez also emphasized that the City will continue providing direct support and coordination throughout the duration of the project while continuing to work with watershed and environmental partners on future reseeding and habitat restoration efforts.
Deborah Sulzer, the City’s contractor supporting FEMA-related recovery projects, provided an overview of project coordination, regulatory compliance, and disaster recovery efforts associated with the project. Sulzer discussed the long-term watershed impacts caused by the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, explaining that severe sediment buildup and runoff from the damaged upper watershed continue to affect regional waterways, elevate flood risks, and create ongoing watershed recovery and management challenges throughout the area.
Sulzer explained that FEMA approved the project through the Public Assistance Program as a Category A emergency debris removal project, a designation intended for activities necessary to address immediate threats to public health, safety, and improved property. She also stated that FEMA completed Environmental and Historic Preservation reviews prior to project approval, including coordination with multiple state and federal agencies to ensure environmental compliance and consistency with long-term watershed management standards.
Sulzer further noted that the City elected to go beyond minimum federal requirements by retaining Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), an experienced federal debris monitoring firm, to provide independent professional debris monitoring services throughout the duration of the project.
Cordova Contracting, represented by John Paul “JP” Romero, provided an overview of current operations and highlighted the company’s experience supporting recovery efforts across San Miguel and Mora Counties since 2022, including both private property debris removal and public right-of-way restoration projects.
Lea Knutson of the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance discussed the organization’s long-standing connection to the Gallinas River watershed and acknowledged that flood mitigation has remained a major concern in the years following the wildfire. Knutson expressed support for continued collaboration with the City regarding future restoration, habitat enhancement, and watershed resilience efforts, while also noting the organization’s strong respect for the City’s responsibility in protecting public safety, critical infrastructure, and the overall welfare of the community.
City Manager Robert A. Anaya concluded the press conference by stating that the project was temporarily paused to allow for public insight, additional discussions, and feedback by the New Mexico Environment Department. He noted that the City incorporated additional restoration considerations into the project following those discussions and remains committed to balancing flood mitigation efforts with environmental stewardship, habitat protection, ecosystem health, and public safety.
Anaya also acknowledged the significant investment and restoration efforts that both the New Mexico Environment Department and the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance have provided the Gallinas River corridor over the past decade. He stated that the City intends to move forward with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the organization to be presented to the City Council for consideration in order to strengthen long-term collaboration efforts moving forward.
Travis Martinez, Water Director, additionally shared significant points regarding the project that he stated should be highlighted. Martinez explained that Utilities has a significant responsibility for managing the river upstream that is often not widely understood. He stated that there are three important areas of focus critical to Utilities in this work: first, protecting infrastructure such as roads, dams, and bridges; second, maintaining navigational flow of the river to prevent backups, obstructions, and potential flooding; and third, ensuring river quality to protect aquatic life and maintain a healthy, functioning ecosystem.
Following the press conference, city officials, project partners, contractors, and community members continued discussions regarding future restoration collaboration, sediment removal coordination near the pond area, and long-term watershed recovery efforts. Lea Knutson also attended the Wednesday evening City Council meeting to reiterate the organization’s commitment to continued partnership and future collaboration with the City, including interest in providing a future presentation to the Council regarding restoration planning and watershed recovery efforts. Officials also noted that future grant and funding opportunities will become available following completion of portions of the emergency work, creating additional opportunities for long-term restoration, stakeholder collaboration, and watershed improvement projects.
The City of Las Vegas expresses appreciation for the communication, feedback, and public engagement received throughout the temporary project pause and emphasized the ongoing need for emergency mitigation work as monsoon season approaches and flood-related risks continue throughout the Gallinas River corridor. The City remains committed to restoring and enhancing the Gallinas River corridor through safe, transparent, collaborative, and environmentally responsible practices.