Notice of Public Meeting BOR

Notice of
Public Meeting
The Bureau of Reclamation seeks additional community input on the preliminary proposed actions to replace the Sumner Dam Radial Gates. Reclamation is proposing to modify Sumner Dam in the Pecos River that is located approximately 16 miles northwest of Fort Sumner in De Baca County, New Mexico. Sumner Dam is owned by Reclamation and managed by the Carlsbad Irrigation District to store and deliver irrigation water downstream and to maintain instream flow requirements for the Pecos Bluntnose Shiner (Notropis simus pecosensis). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has flood control authority at Sumner Dam and Lake once the elevation reaches 4,261 feet (overflow crest elevation of the dam is 4,259 feet). The proposed Sumner Dam modifications would mitigate health and safety risks at Sumner Dam.
There are two preliminary proposed actions being considered––Alternative B: Replacement of Three Radial Gates and Temporary Portable Bridge Road Detour and Alternative C: Replacement of Three Radial Gates and Temporary Crossing Road Detour. Under both preliminary proposed actions, modifications would include:
·Replacement of three radial gates
·Replacement of hoist deck and equipment
·Overlay of the existing spillway
The preliminary proposed actions would provide a temporary road detour downstream of Sumner Dam during construction activities for the public and local residents. Alternative B would install a portable bridge that spans the Pecos River. Alternative C would install concrete culverts to function as a bridge across the Pecos River.
The public is invited to attend a public meeting. The public meeting will consist of a PowerPoint presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. This will be an opportunity to speak with the Reclamation staff about the Sumner Dam Radial Gates Project. If you are unable to attend in person you may attend virtually on the Teams platform. Please send an email to [email protected] to request the meeting link.
Public Scoping Meeting Schedule:
· Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
· Fort Sumner Community House 137 East Baker Hill,Fort Sumner, NM 88119
The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the project, have discussions with Reclamation staff, and provide input. Comments received on the preliminary proposed actions will be reviewed, analyzed, and considered for the environmental assessment.
Published in the De Baca County News on January 18 and 25, 2024.