Carnuel, a census-designated place in Tijeras Canyon, received $2.15 million for water improvement projects from the 2024 capital outlay bill. Carnuel’s outdated well and septic systems have caused the community to be exposed to poor water quality.
On March 6, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed off on the $2.15 million in appropriations in the 2024 capital outlay bill. Senate Bill 275 designates $2 million for a water collection system and $150,000 for a wastewater collection system.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas commended the funding and said it is a big step in the right direction to provide crucial services to the Carnuel community. Olivas said he is dedicated to continuously working with the Carnuel Land Grant for these long-awaited projects.
“Supporting our land grants and indigenous communities is critical and I applaud our leaders for stepping up,” Olivas said in a news release. “This funding won’t mark the end of the project, so I will continue to advocate for Carnuel and all residents of our community that lack access to basics like clean water, sewer service and broadband.”
The area is currently watched by environmental regulators due to the poor water quality, a decrease in water level and runoff pollution. The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority will lead the wastewater system project.