NEWS
Three-phase project is expected to be finished at the end of September
Visitors to Alameda Open Space will soon be able to park under solar panels, charge their electric vehicles and have cooler spots to hang out with loved ones after a leisurely hike.
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority recently announced it will put up solar canopies inside the open space parking lot, which has about 130 spaces. Additional canopies will be installed to provide shade for picnic tables and benches that will be built as part of the project, said Rachel Stone, a water authority spokesperson.
The installation of the panels will begin at the end of July, she said.
The Raw Water Pump Station consumes about 23 million kilowatt-hours a year, “and this new solar array will offset some of the energy consumption,” Stone said. The project will be paid for by the contractor, Somos Energy Solutions, which will then lease power from the facility to the water authority.
Aside from solar canopies, two electric vehicle charging stations will be built and they will be free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, she said.
Along with adding solar panels and electric stations, the project will consist of improving landscaping, wildlife habitat and public amenities, including installing shade structures, picnic tables and interpretive signs, Stone said.
Work will be done in three phases and is expected to be completed by the end of September, she said.
Some parts of the Alameda Open Space may be closed during construction. Alternative parking will be available at the Shining River Parking Area, 8545 Rio Grande NW.
The project, which was approved by the city’s Environmental Planning Commission in November 2022, “represents years of planning, coordination and public engagement, and all partners are excited to see the benefits of this long-awaited investment become a reality,” Stone said.
Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.
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