EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A multimillion-dollar contract has been awarded for the first phase of infrastructure improvements at the Elephant Butte Historic District, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) announced in a news release issued on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
An $11.3 million contract award was awarded to ORCOM, a division of Ortega Companies, Inc., for the first phase of an infrastructure improvement project at Elephant Butte, the Bureau of Reclamation said.
“This effort will enhance recreational facilities for the popular Elephant Butte Reservoir, which receives over 1 million visitors annually, by addressing critical utility needs and upgrades and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this iconic landmark that has been enjoyed by generations,” the BoR said.
Funding for the project was allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to the news release.
Much of the existing utilities at Elephant Butte date back to the early 20th century and are due for upgrades, BoR said.
Water and wastewater lines will be replaced and overhead electric lines will be buried, BoR said.
The project also includes “modernizing technology” at the historic district with the installation of fiber optic lines and electric vehicle charging stations. Utility construction is slated to begin in the winter of 2024 and will span approximately 13 months.
Recreation area improvements will include redesigning the RV park for more effective use of space, installing new RV hook-ups, and introducing “DarkSky” lighting in the parking lot and RV park, BoR said.
After the completion of this utility work, the Federal Highway Administration will undertake a second construction contract to repave the dam site and fish hatchery (Paseo del Rio) recreation areas.
“This massive undertaking at the Elephant Butte Historic District is really a transformative infrastructure project that the area hasn’t seen on this scale for decades,” said Reclamation Project Manager Hannah Schechter. “These facility upgrades ensure the historic district’s long-term viability and secure its legacy for generations to come and create new family memories.”
Additional projects in the historic district are in the design phases and will begin construction over the next several years. Future projects will include restaurant repairs at the dam site and replacing aging septic and leach field systems to promote environmental sustainability, among other improvements.
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