Jemez Mountain Regional Fire Protection Project (JMFPP)

  • Project value$7.9 million grant from NM Legislature; remainder of costs (up to $18 million) split by Los Alamos County and Pajarito Recreation
  • Project schedulePHASE 1: April thru Oct. 2025; PHASE 2: Oct. 2025 thru April 2026; PHASE 3: May 2026 thru Dec. 2026
  • Contractor namePH 1: DUB-L-EE, LLC; PH 2: DUB-L-EE, LLC
A view of Camp May Road in the fall
  • A connection between Los Alamos County’s water supply system and the water storage tank at Pajarito is necessary for fire protection to enable the delivery of water to the 10-million gallon storage reservoir on top of Pajarito Mountain. This full reservoir of water will benefit not only Pajarito but also surrounding National Forest Service (NFS) and non-NFS lands.
  • An added benefit of ensuring sufficient water levels in the reservoir is the capability to make snow. Winter snowpack can potentially reduce wildfire risk later in the year as it keeps vegetation damp and can help to delay the onset of dry conditions that fuel wildfires. Additionally, keeping the reservoir filled will allow a reliable opening schedule for the ski area and enhance its long-term operational viability as a recreational amenity and economic driver for the Jemez Mountain Region.
  • A new domestic water supply will serve existing Pajarito Mountain facilities and Camp May Park.
  • Enhanced underground electrical service will improve reliability at Camp May Park and Pajarito Mountain facilities, as well as protect the area from fires due to tree fall.
  • April 1 UPDATE:  All installations of waterlines, conduit for electric and fiber lines, and electric vaults are complete from the bottom of Camp May Road up to Pajarito Mountain. Paving operations are underway.
    • Camp May Road, Camp May, and access to adjacent trails are closed to the public weekly from Monday mornings through Thursdays at 5 p.m. through April 30.
    • Camp May Road, Camp May, and access to adjacent trails will be open from May 1 to May 31.
    • Beginning June 1, Camp May Road, Camp May, and access to adjacent trails will be closed weekly, Monday through Thursday, as Phase III (the final phase of the project) is conducted. This work is expected to continue until the end of the year.

 

Contact details

Ernesto Gallegos
(505) 662-8147
er.gallegos@lacnm.us

Location

West Road and Camp May Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544  View Map

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