02/26/2007 Volume 2, Issue 2 Contact Us Aqui   Homepage Current Articles   Homepage 02/26/2007 Major Issues Public Safety & Health Development & Infrastructure Transportation Quality of Life Upcoming Meetings/Events Newsletter Archive   Storm 2006-Report to the Community Message from the City Manager The major rain storms of last summer, referred to as Storm 2006, left behind significant personal and public property damage. This "Report to the Community" is intended as an update to make citizens aware of the work that has been started, completed and on-going, and the schedule of future repair and reconstruction work throughout the City. We ask for the community's patience and to be assured that our number one priority is to address and execute the construction of the critical infrastructure that is necessary. The City, in coordination with many local, state and federal agencies, has been working to address these priorities since the Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued on August 15, 2006. Given the need to keep costs low so that a citywide tax increase would not be necessitated, emergency funding has been set aside to these priorities so that immediate work could begin. This was achieved through the reprogramming of existing capital bond funding from projects where delays would have the least impact to the overall program. These projects will be made whole upon the timely issuance of new bond allocations. The El Paso City Council has also authorized issuance of Certificates of Obligation up to an amount of $100 million for infrastructure work. In total, $115 million of bond funding has been earmarked for the critical repair and reconstruction work needed within the City's road and storm water drainage system that is a direct result of Storm 2006. Every opportunity for state and federal funding assistance and reimbursement is being tapped to help the City with this massive undertaking and every effort is being made to have the work substantively completed within an eighteen-month period (by February 2008) in order to meet federal reimbursement guidelines. We will continue to update the community as work and progress continues. Joyce A. Wilson City Manager El Paso,Texas Street Department 7 pothole-patching crews worked citywide throughout the week and some weekends from September 1 to December 7, 2006. Approximately 989.29 tons of cold mix asphalt used, 85% increase from the amount used during the same period the previous year. Approximately 1,438.35 tons of hot mix asphalt used, 25% increase from the same period of the previous year. Approximately 56,415.58 tons of debris removed from city streets from September 1 to December 7, 2006. 74% increase from the amount of debris removed during the same period the previous year Contract initiated in December for the cleaning/clearing of debris and re-shaping of agricultural drains Mesa Drain interceptor and the Franklin Drain cleaned; work ongoing for several months 3 herbicide-spraying companies hired in October to spray the perimeters of all City ponding basins, drainage channels, and other designated City right of way Crews continue to clear debris and silt within the Rio Grande river apron along the concrete lined channel since early November For more information or to report a pothole, please call 621-6750 Environmental Services Removed storm-related debris from 700 curbside locations. Cleared storm-related debris from 78 Street blocks. Environmental Services delivered 1,918 tons of storm-related debris to the Clint landfill. Fixed Clint landfill retention pond that was breached by the July 27th rainfall. Developed a new detention pond at the Clint landfill. The pond is 90% completed Fixed all major erosion at the Clint and McCombs landfill cells. Repaired damaged shoulders of Clint entrance road and stabilized unpaved access and circulation in Clint and McCombs landfills. Six 6-inch water pumps purchased For more information or to schedule a debris pick-up, please call 621-6700 Development Services Progress continues underway in the City initiative to acquire property and relocate families in the Mowad, Fiesta and Saipan areas within our community. The City Council has authorized the property acquisition and replacement of housing within these subdivisions as a long-term resolution and the most practical and technically responsible manner to preserve public health and safety for residents of these neighborhoods. The following is the current status of the program in each of the targeted areas: Mowad Subdivsion 36 buy-outs accepted 25 relocation homes in escrow 17 residents relocated Project 75% complete Saipan 54 assessment inspections completed 44 appraisals completed 30 Buy Out meetings scheduled Project 35% complete Fiesta 3 properties appraised 3 buy-outs accepted 3 relocations completed Project 95% complete For more information on the Buy Out Program please call 541-4556 FEMA Coordination The FEMA discovery period for identifying public infrastructure damaged by the storm event is 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration. During this period, City personnel worked extensively with FEMA Teams to make field assessments. A total of 28 projects have been closed with FEMA. At this time there are still 127 projects pending completion. FEMA has provided grant funding for Storm 2006 in the following categories: Total amount eligible by category: Eligible amount 75% anticipated reimbursement from FEMA FEMA funds received to date FEMA funds pending to City # Of projects finalized with FEMA Debris Clearance 3,199,687 2,399,765 161,687 2,238,079 2 Emergency Protective Measures 1,434,981 1,076,236 816,492 259,744 4 Road Systems 2,233,031 1,674,773 600,339 1,074,434 14 Water Facilities 1,348,819 1,011,614 181,451 830,163 0 Public Buildings and Equip 85,819 64,364 64,976 (612) 7 Other 1,182,529 886,897 39,048 847,848 1 Total 9,484,866 7,113,650 1,863,992 5,249,657 28 Capital Repair/Reconstruction Priorities The City is doing everything in its capacity to meet the needs of citizens and address the repair and reconstruction of the critical infrastructure projects in the listing below. A huge challenge remains ahead as progress continues with factors that include: Project design work that involves an extensive process to find solutions and not just reconstruction to pre-flood standards Scopes that are still being developed and modified to provide for quality projects Approximately 30 additional projects that have been identified and will continue to be addressed as funding becomes available Construction and design costs that are continuing to rise Project Design Status Repair/Reconstruction Status (Tentative Start Dates) 601 Sunland Park Drive @ Buena Vista Channel - Repair damaged chain link and rock wall fences Complete Complete 624 De Leon - Repairs to roadway damage including curb and gutter Complete Complete Bessemer Road - Repairs to damaged roadway Complete Complete Bluff Canyon - Repair damaged roadway to include curb, gutter, sidewalks, pavement Complete Complete Crestmont Channel along Sunland Park Drive - Repair damaged drainage crossing Complete Complete Don Haskins and Rojas - Repairs to damaged roadway structure Complete Complete Henry Brennan - Repair damaged roadway Complete Complete Mountain Walk - Repairs to roadway damage Complete Complete Pellicano from Lee Trevino to Lionel and Pendale @ Rojas - Repair roadway damage including curb, gutter, pavement Complete Complete Pine Springs from South View to Loop 375 - Repair roadway damage Complete Complete Stoney Hill - Repair roadway damage Complete Complete Agricultural Drains - Desilt and Repair   In Progress Bandolero Channel - Debris removal   In Progress Cedar Oak at Pendale - Repair spillway damage   In Progress Edgemere and Robert E Lee - Repair damaged flume in median triangle   In Progress Helen of Troy from Resler to Redd Roadway damage to include curb, gutter, sidewalk and pavement   In Progress Isabella and Cabrillo - Repair damaged box culvert grates, rock wall and clean-up debris   In Progress James Watt @ Lee Trevino - Reconstruction of street and drainage damage   In Progress Luna from La Luz to Hueco - Repair erosion damage   In Progress Montoya Drain - Clean up erosion   In Progress O'Keefe - Repairs to damaged spillway   In Progress Playa Drain - Clean and restore to original grade   In Progress Pollard Veterans Memorial Park - Repair erosion damage   In Progress Pullman Basin - Repair spillway, erosion and desilt   In Progress Resler Extension north of Helen of Troy - Repair to drainage channel damage and debris removal   In Progress Whirlaway Street - Repair erosion damage   In Progress Nemexas Drain - Clean erosion   In Progress Pump Station Assessment and Repair   In Progress Master Drainage Study Study Ongoing Mid 2008 Glory Road - Reconstruction of street and drainage structure to Oregon St. Complete Winter 2007 Belvidere Channel - Repair erosion damage and remove debris Underway Spring 2007 Cebada Pump Station - Repairs to electrical system and installation of automated grate cleaning system Underway Spring 2007 High Ridge and Bear Ridge Channels - Repair damage culverts, headwalls, maintenance road, rock walls, channel Underway Spring 2007 McKelligon Canyon Road - Repair roadway damage and install new culverts Underway Spring 2007 North South Freeway Channel - Repair damaged concrete structures and line remaining channel Complete Spring 2007 Thunderbird Valley Channel - Reconstruct damaged channel Complete Spring 2007 Wallenberg and Mesa Hills - Reconstruction of roadway and underground drainage system Complete Spring 2007 Clardy Fox Pump Station - Upgrade electrical control panel and install automated grate cleaning system Underway Spring 2007 Copper Queen - Reconstruct damaged spillways Underway Spring 2007 Fairbanks from NS Freeway to Electric - Repair roadway damage including curb, gutter, sidewalk and pavement Underway Spring 2007 Los Siglos Court and Lucas Marcelo Court - Reconstruction retaining structure along channel including fences Complete Spring 2007 Northgate Diversion Channel - Repair erosion damage Complete Spring 2007 Ojo de Agua Channel and Thorn Inlet Structure - Reconstruction of channel and inlet structure Underway Spring 2007 Paragon/Santa Fe/Festival Channels - Reconstruction of concrete channels Underway Spring 2007 Robinson Street - Repair roadway damage Underway Spring 2007 Thorton Street - Repair street and drainage system damage Underway Spring 2007 Westside Drainage Improvements - Improvements to Shadow Mountain, Silver Springs and the Coronado Ditch Underway Spring 2007 Canterbury Channel between Ridge Crest and Stanton - Reconstruction of damaged channel Underway Summer 2007 Colonia Escondida - New pump station to ensure drainage Underway Summer 2007 Lindberg, Redd, Mulberry, Warrior Roads - Street and drainage system reconstruction Underway Summer 2007 Modesto Channel River outfall - Improve drainage by replacing existing gravity flow system Underway Summer 2007 Ocotillo/Charl Ann - Repair street and drainage damage Underway Summer 2007 Ramona Addition - Repair street and drainage system damage Complete Summer 2007 Upcoming City Meetings & Events: For a listing of City Meetings, City Council Meetings or community meetings. Read more.... To find out what City events are happening in a neighborhood near you, visit the City Events Calendar. Major Issues: City of El Paso Soliciting Applicants to Fill Vacancies on the CDBG Steering Committee Vacancies The City of El Paso's Department of Community and Human Development is soliciting applications for the potential appointment of two (2) positions on the Community Development Steering Committee. Read more... City Parks Director Appointed to National Committee Dr. Norman Merrifield, director of the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department, has been appointed to serve on the National Recreation and Park Association and the Trust for Public Land colloquium entitled "New Park and Recreation Guidelines: What is Appropriate for Cities?" Read more... City Parks and Recreation Department Chosen to Receive Excellence in Planning Award "The Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) has announced that the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will receive the Excellence in Planning Award at the state conference on February 22, 2007 at South Padre Island.", according to Ms. Toby Brooks, chairperson for the TRAPS Awards Committee. Read more... New Rawlings Dental Clinic on its Way... The old Rawlings Health Clinic located at 3301 Pera has been demolished to make room for the new Rawlings Dental Clinic, scheduled for completion in September 2007. Read more... City to Hold Charter Election On February 20, 2007 City Council voted to hold a Charter election along with the four City Council district elections on May 12, 2007. Read more... Public Safety & Health: Notice: Health Clinics' New Location Read more... Essay Contest for Girls 5th Grade to High School on Women in Law Enforcement The El Paso Police Department in conjunction with the 2007 International Empowering Women in Law Enforcement Conference is sponsoring an essay contest for girls from 5th grade to high school. Read more... Development & Infrastructure: The ABC's of El Paso's Curbside Recycling Program The information provided below is to alleviate some of the confusion in the community regarding the up and coming curbside recycling program. Provided are questions most frequently asked with the correct answers. Read more... Baltimore Street/Glory Road Project Now Underway A project providing several stormwater management and drainage enhancements in the Baltimore Street, Glory Road and Oregon Street area is now under construction closing portions of Oregon over the next several months. Read more... Bike Lanes: On the Path to Comprehensive Mobility With the recent completion of the new bike lane featured along Rushing in the northeast, the City Council direction to become the lowest car dependent City in the Southwest continues in motion. Read more... Transportation: Sun Metro and the Citizens Advisory Committee Encourage Public Input Sun Metro continues to move forward and recognizes that engaging the public is key to furthering a collective view that's necessary for effective implementation of service improvements. Read more... Sun Metro: Going Back to Basics A departmental brief outlining the work of Sun Metro's new management Read more... Quality of Life: Parks and Recreation Updates Get an update on what is going on with your Parks and Recreation Department. Read more... Parks & Recreation Employees to Present at State Conference The City's Parks and Recreation Department will have two of their employees - Sandy Rodriguez and Brenda Romero - presenting a session in South Padre Island for the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) on February 22, 2007. Read more... Siglo De Oro Festival Begins its XXXII Season The MCAD, in partnership with the Chamizal National Memorial announces the XXXII season of the Siglo de Oro Festival, the longest running festival of its kind in the world. The festival will run for five consecutive days from February 28 to March 4 at the Chamizal National Memorial. Read more... We Celebrate Our Heritage Series On February 28, 2007, MCAD will kick-off the WE CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE! Series - an ongoing effort to feature the art and culture of El Paso's ancestors. Read more... El Paso Zoo's March Family Activities Enjoy fun-filled events for the family at your El Paso Zoo!! Read more... Upcoming Parks and Recreation Activities Parks and Recreation offers various classes and activities for kids and adults alike at each of its centers. Sign-up for a class today! Read more... Your Dreams of Africa could come true…With this African Safari...for TWO! When it comes to fundraising, most organizations try to choose a prize that will evoke desire and an "I must have it" reaction. We've seen the pretty diamond necklaces and occasionally a car up on the auction stage….but a trip to Africa?! Read more... CDBG at Work The Community Development Block Grant provides vital funding to projects and entities within the City of El Paso that help to enhance the lives of all, especially low and moderate income persons. See how these dollars are being put to use to benefit the community. Read more... Building Neighborhood Leaders. Strengthening Our City. Neighborhood Leadership Academy The Department of Community and Human Development's Neighborhood Services Division will host the Neighborhood Leadership Academy Graduation for 38 participants on March 21, 2007. Read more... Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe - Grand Opening Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe will host a Grand Opening of their improved La Fe C.A.R.E. (Community Advocacy, Resource, and Education) Center on March 14, 2007. The event will allow guests to take a tour of the facility and take part in the celebration. Food and beverages will be provided. Read more... Ysleta Skate Park - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Representative Holguin along with the Departments of Parks and Recreation and Community and Human Development will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ysleta Skate Park located at 9068 Socorro Road. Read more... Print Version Newsletter produced by the City Communications & Public Affairs Office. If you would like to subscribe to receive the Community Newsletter, send an email to communitynewsletter@elpasotexas.gov, with your name and email address.

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