Buckman Direct Diversion Board Meetings 08/06/2026

The Buckman Direct Diversion Board meeting held on August 6, 2026, focused primarily on updates regarding the San Juan Chama return flow project, a federally mandated water reuse initiative designed to maximize the use of San Juan Chama water for the city and county. Key procurement-related discussions included the project's environmental assessment public comment period, design progress with an expected shovel-ready status within six weeks, and significant cost increases from initial estimates to a current range of $15 to $60 million driven largely by rising steel prices. Funding sources were reviewed, including a 25% federal grant with $11.25 million already appropriated and additional funding requests underway to cover increased costs. The board also received updates on emergency procurement of a $77,000 HVAC unit replacement and ongoing repair and replacement projects with vendor outreach and contract finalizations anticipated soon. Personnel updates and operational performance metrics for water delivery were also presented. The board approved reappointments of citizen members and discussed potential future water resource strategies, including managed aquifer recharge and inter-basin water transfers, though these remain in exploratory stages. No new contracts were awarded during the meeting, but several procurement actions and funding pursuits were highlighted as ongoing or forthcoming.