Alamogordo NM
10-13-2025 5:39am

Alamogordo City Commission to Review Snake Pipeline Project October 14 As Part of Commmission Meeting

The Alamogordo City Commission will convene Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers at City Hall to review a full agenda plus next steps to implement the Snake Pipeline Project—an infrastructure initiative central to the city’s long-term water stabilization strategy. The project is an example of how recent water rate adjustments secured funding and a line of credit for the city to fund this overdue project, marking a milestone in the implementation of Alamogordo’s 40-Year Water Supply Plan.

The Snake Pipeline Project involves the construction of a 6.5-mile, 24-inch transmission line from the Snake Tank Well Field to Alamogordo. This pipeline will transport brackish groundwater to a future reverse osmosis desalination facility, forming the backbone of the Alamogordo Regional Water Supply Project (ARWSP).

In September, the City Commission approved a $12 million loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to fund upgrades to pipeline construction around the city. Approximately $4 million of that may be forgiven, reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers. This project when moved forward is expected to be completed within 14 months, pending material availability.

The ability to secure this funding was made possible by recent water rate increases approved by the Commission earlier this year. These adjustments were designed to meet the fiscal requirements for state and federal infrastructure funding and to demonstrate long-term financial sustainability so water and infrastructure concerns could finally be addressed after decades of neglect by prior commissions.

Under the leadership of Mayor Susan Payne, Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald, and City Manager Stephanie Hernandez, the city has taken deliberate steps to align its financial policies with its infrastructure goals. The rate changes were not only necessary—they were strategic, allowing Alamogordo to finally activate key components of its 40-Year Water Supply Plan.

Originally adopted in 2005 and updated in 2016, the plan outlines a multi-phase approach to securing Alamogordo’s water future. Key elements include development of brackish groundwater sources through the Snake Tank Well Field, activating the desalination facility using reverse osmosis technology, conservation and reclaimed water reuse programs, and aquifer recharge strategies.

The plan was developed in response to declining surface water availability, particularly after the 2012 Little Bear Fire severely impacted Bonito Lake and Sacramento Mountain runoff.

In addition to the Snake Pipeline update, the October 14 agenda includes infrastructure and capital improvement updates, public safety staffing and emergency response planning, zoning and land use proposals, and community development initiatives. A public comment period will also be held.

The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed via the city’s official YouTube channel. Residents are encouraged to attend or tune in to stay informed on decisions that will shape Alamogordo’s future.

Sources:

Alamogordo City Commission Calendar – October 14, 2025

CitizenPortal.ai – $12M Loan Approved for Snake Pipeline

Alamogordo 40-Year Water Supply Plan (2005–2045)

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