I want to keep you updated about various issues that affect our district. I consider this one of importance.
NEWS RELEASE
Water Authority Breaks Ground on New Environmentally Friendly
Ultraviolet Disinfection System at Southside Water Reclamation Plant
Contact: David Morris: 768-2506
ALBUQUERQUE, SEPT. 17, 2009—The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority today broke ground at its Southside Water Reclamation treatment plant on a new state-of-the-art ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system that is environmentally friendly. The $7.4 million project will replace the potentially hazardous chlorine gas disinfection process currently used to treat water before it is discharged into the Rio Grande. The project will take approximately one year to build.
“Currently we use chlorine gas to disinfect our effluent, or outflow,” said Jeffrey Romanowski, Southside Reclamation Plant manager. “While plant staff members have done a great job of maintaining the system, handling bulk chlorine poses significant risks. With UV, we can eliminate both the chlorine and sulfur dioxide chemical systems. Plus, ultraviolet disinfection has a proven track record. UV disinfection systems are currently being used in more than 20 percent of wastewater treatment plants in North America.”
Art De La Cruz, a Water Authority Board Member and Bernalillo County Commissioner whose district includes the Southside Treatment Plant, was actively involved in planning for the upgrade. “This is a true benefit to our community,” he said. “The new UV system is better all the way around – for the Plant’s neighbors and for those who depend on the Rio Grande. We are very excited that this significant upgrade will soon become a reality.”
Ultraviolet (UV) light at specific wavelengths between 200 and 300 nanometers (billionths of a meter) disinfects water by instantly destroying the genetic material (DNA) within viruses, bacteria and chlorine-resistant protozoa. This eliminates their ability to reproduce. Unable to multiply, the microorganisms die.
UV disinfection is simple, chemical-free and extremely safe. It does not require special staff training, certification or emergency response and evacuation plans. Also, unlike chlorine, UV cannot be overdosed and does not create any potentially harmful byproducts.
The first phase of the project was selection of the correct ultraviolet disinfection system for the Southside Reclamation Plant. The Water Authority went through a request for proposal process to select the disinfection equipment to meet their needs first.
The system selected for the project, the TrojanUV3000 Plus™, is currently in use at more than 1,000 facilities worldwide. It is a reliable, user-friendly system that is cost effective to operate and maintain, and that maximizes UV lamp output. Trojan Technologies, Inc., the company that makes the system, said its UV lamps deliver 98 percent of full UV output after more than one year of use and have 20 percent less decline in output after 12,000 hours of use compared to competitive UV lamps.
Romanowski explained that the system was also selected because “it is very flexible and modular and will fit well within the existing Plant’s footprint.”
Water Authority Breaks Ground on New, Environmentally Friendly Ultraviolet Disinfection System at Southside Water Reclamation Plant—Only add
The UV disinfection project includes the following components:
• Construction of a 3,172 square foot building to house the new system that will match the Plant’s existing architecture;
• Demolition of an old aeration basin that is no longer needed;
• Installation of junction boxes to tie the new disinfection system into existing pipes; and
• Installation of an emergency stand-by generator.
The new system will handle an average water flow of 76 million gallons per day with capacity to handle a peak hour water flow of 120 million gallons per day.
CH2M HILL, Inc. is the engineering consulting firm that prepared the design and is currently assisting with services during construction. Albuquerque-based RMCI, Inc. is the general contractor for the project. McDade Woodcock, Inc., which is based in Albuquerque and also has offices in Colorado, will handle the electrical work.
Romanowski said, “We’re excited that the project is underway, and look forward to being able to upgrade our water disinfection capabilities with a system that is inherently safe and environmentally friendly.”
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Friday, October 9, 2009
SV Ink Article
OCTOBER 2009 COMMISSIONER ART DELACRUZ SOUTH VALLEY INK ARTICLE
The closure of the General Electric Plant (GE) has come as a big blow to the 400 employees, their families and the entire community. At the onset of this new I immediately asked the County’s economic development team led by Daniel Gutierrez to contact GE management and inquire what County government could do to help them stay. In addition I asked the team to meet with GE labor representatives and determine how they could help the effort. Soon other elected officials and high-level government personnel joined our effort to help address the issue head-on. A series of meetings were coordinated to open up constructive dialogue among union leadership and GE management. I am proud that our federal delegation Including Tom Udall, and Martin Heinrich assisted, in addition Governor Richardson, and Mayor Chavez assisted. We e I offered options to the corporation and made strong statements in total support and in favor of GE staying and supported the employees throughout these negotiations. Unfortunately, even thorough our best effort GE has elected not to stay. The plant manager claimed that labor costs were too high in Albuquerque despite labor having made $10,000,000.00 in concessions to the best of my understanding. I made every attempt within my power as County Commissioner to encourage GE to stay and offered everything the County could offer a new company locating to our community, the City and State did the same.
At the end of our discussion and negotiations and with the union present GE representatives declined. The plant is set to close next year. This is a bad situation for all of us by the loss of jobs, including revenues generated by the plant which equals over 2 million dollars. While, GE said it is a done deal, I am determined to continue to explore opportunities with the Economic Development arm of County government and other officials to assure that we consider all options and opportunities to seek clients and tenants to occupy the building to help fill this void. Hopefully, offsetting the devastation the closure of the GE plant will have on many families and businesses.
Hand in Hand Event
During the month of November, you have an opportunity to interact with all of County Government including myself; other elected County officials and the highest level of Bernalillo County management in your own backyard – right in the South Valley. I felt that it was important to bring County Hall to the people. You will be able to communicate your issues, questions, concerns and ideas to the highest level of County government. The County Manager, Deputy County Managers, and Department heads will be joining me at the Westside Community Center to listen to you, our boss. I am cordially inviting you to this event and also share a cup of coffee with us. So far as we have shared the idea of this event with residents the enthusiasm is great, we feel participation will reflect this. The Treasurer’s Office, the Assessor, the County Clerk, and Probate Judge and Sheriff’s Office representatives have confirmed their participation. Come visit with County Hall November 7th from 10 to noon at the first “Hand-In-Hand, Bernalillo County Working With You” event at Westside Community Center, located at 1250 Isleta Boulevard SW
It is my sincere pleasure to work for and with the people of County Commission District 2. Should you have questions or concerns you can always call me and my assistant, Dolores Herrera, @ 468.7448 or E-Mail: dherrera@bernco.gov or write to: Commissioner Art DeLaCruz, District 2, Bernalillo County Commission, One Civic Plaza, 10th Floor, Suite 10111, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. Visit my blog @ http://commissionerartdelacruz.blogspot.com/ Contact Bernalillo County online for all other County information including department information and personnel contacts and programs and events and services and other pertinent County info @ www.bernco.com
The closure of the General Electric Plant (GE) has come as a big blow to the 400 employees, their families and the entire community. At the onset of this new I immediately asked the County’s economic development team led by Daniel Gutierrez to contact GE management and inquire what County government could do to help them stay. In addition I asked the team to meet with GE labor representatives and determine how they could help the effort. Soon other elected officials and high-level government personnel joined our effort to help address the issue head-on. A series of meetings were coordinated to open up constructive dialogue among union leadership and GE management. I am proud that our federal delegation Including Tom Udall, and Martin Heinrich assisted, in addition Governor Richardson, and Mayor Chavez assisted. We e I offered options to the corporation and made strong statements in total support and in favor of GE staying and supported the employees throughout these negotiations. Unfortunately, even thorough our best effort GE has elected not to stay. The plant manager claimed that labor costs were too high in Albuquerque despite labor having made $10,000,000.00 in concessions to the best of my understanding. I made every attempt within my power as County Commissioner to encourage GE to stay and offered everything the County could offer a new company locating to our community, the City and State did the same.
At the end of our discussion and negotiations and with the union present GE representatives declined. The plant is set to close next year. This is a bad situation for all of us by the loss of jobs, including revenues generated by the plant which equals over 2 million dollars. While, GE said it is a done deal, I am determined to continue to explore opportunities with the Economic Development arm of County government and other officials to assure that we consider all options and opportunities to seek clients and tenants to occupy the building to help fill this void. Hopefully, offsetting the devastation the closure of the GE plant will have on many families and businesses.
Hand in Hand Event
During the month of November, you have an opportunity to interact with all of County Government including myself; other elected County officials and the highest level of Bernalillo County management in your own backyard – right in the South Valley. I felt that it was important to bring County Hall to the people. You will be able to communicate your issues, questions, concerns and ideas to the highest level of County government. The County Manager, Deputy County Managers, and Department heads will be joining me at the Westside Community Center to listen to you, our boss. I am cordially inviting you to this event and also share a cup of coffee with us. So far as we have shared the idea of this event with residents the enthusiasm is great, we feel participation will reflect this. The Treasurer’s Office, the Assessor, the County Clerk, and Probate Judge and Sheriff’s Office representatives have confirmed their participation. Come visit with County Hall November 7th from 10 to noon at the first “Hand-In-Hand, Bernalillo County Working With You” event at Westside Community Center, located at 1250 Isleta Boulevard SW
It is my sincere pleasure to work for and with the people of County Commission District 2. Should you have questions or concerns you can always call me and my assistant, Dolores Herrera, @ 468.7448 or E-Mail: dherrera@bernco.gov or write to: Commissioner Art DeLaCruz, District 2, Bernalillo County Commission, One Civic Plaza, 10th Floor, Suite 10111, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. Visit my blog @ http://commissionerartdelacruz.blogspot.com/ Contact Bernalillo County online for all other County information including department information and personnel contacts and programs and events and services and other pertinent County info @ www.bernco.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009
GE Closure
I am very disappointed about this closure. I met with management and union on numerous occasions. I will discuss these meetings in a subsequent post, however, i would like to share the story that ran on KOB TV 4.
"General Electric will close its Albuquerque jet engine plant, despite proposals from an employee union and Bernalillo County to keep it open.
General Electric heard the proposals last week but still decided to close the plant at south Broadway and Woodward next fall. The move will cut more than 400 jobs.
General Electric released a statement Tuesday saying about half those employees will be eligible for one of GE's early retirement options.
The news comes as a blow to Bernalillo County Commissioner Art de la Cruz, who campaigned hard to keep the plant open.
"I had hoped as recently as last week that the door was still open, that they would stay. It's going to have an incredible impact on this community," de la Cruz said.
Commissioner de la Cruz says GE officials had said they would save about $25 million by closing the plant.
The South Valley plant assembles jet engines for both military and commercial aircraft."
"General Electric will close its Albuquerque jet engine plant, despite proposals from an employee union and Bernalillo County to keep it open.
General Electric heard the proposals last week but still decided to close the plant at south Broadway and Woodward next fall. The move will cut more than 400 jobs.
General Electric released a statement Tuesday saying about half those employees will be eligible for one of GE's early retirement options.
The news comes as a blow to Bernalillo County Commissioner Art de la Cruz, who campaigned hard to keep the plant open.
"I had hoped as recently as last week that the door was still open, that they would stay. It's going to have an incredible impact on this community," de la Cruz said.
Commissioner de la Cruz says GE officials had said they would save about $25 million by closing the plant.
The South Valley plant assembles jet engines for both military and commercial aircraft."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
We need answers.
I am posting the press release my office sent out today. I have great concerns about the closure of the GE Plant. We cannot let 400 families lose their jobs. I am meeting with GE Officials to address this issue. This is the second time I will meet with management and the fourth meeting between Bernalillo County Officials and the GE Union:
MEDIA ADVISORY Issued by Bernalillo County
For Immediate Release Public Information Department
September 24, 2009 Contact: Liz Hamm
Office: 468-7026 Cell: 238-0888
COMMISSIONER DE LA CRUZ
ASKS GE TO PROVIDE DEFINITE PLAN
Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz will meet this afternoon with both General Electric Company managers and union representatives to determine if GE will keep the New Mexico plant open. Commissioner De La Cruz has met with both sides during this negotiation period, however, this will be the first joint meeting where both sides are at the table with a government official. GE announced plans earlier this summer to close its Albuquerque facility by fall 2010. The plant employs about 400 workers and has been producing airplane engine parts here since the late 1960s.
“I have encouraged GE to provide the community with alternatives, and a plan to keep these jobs as well as expanding their operations in Bernalillo County. The congressional delegation, the local elected officials and all New Mexicans want this plant. Time is running out and I want GE to show their commitment to our state and the New Mexicans that have faithfully served this company,” says Commissioner De La Cruz. “If this plant closes it will represent a significant loss to everyone in our community.”
MEDIA ADVISORY Issued by Bernalillo County
For Immediate Release Public Information Department
September 24, 2009 Contact: Liz Hamm
Office: 468-7026 Cell: 238-0888
COMMISSIONER DE LA CRUZ
ASKS GE TO PROVIDE DEFINITE PLAN
Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz will meet this afternoon with both General Electric Company managers and union representatives to determine if GE will keep the New Mexico plant open. Commissioner De La Cruz has met with both sides during this negotiation period, however, this will be the first joint meeting where both sides are at the table with a government official. GE announced plans earlier this summer to close its Albuquerque facility by fall 2010. The plant employs about 400 workers and has been producing airplane engine parts here since the late 1960s.
“I have encouraged GE to provide the community with alternatives, and a plan to keep these jobs as well as expanding their operations in Bernalillo County. The congressional delegation, the local elected officials and all New Mexicans want this plant. Time is running out and I want GE to show their commitment to our state and the New Mexicans that have faithfully served this company,” says Commissioner De La Cruz. “If this plant closes it will represent a significant loss to everyone in our community.”
Monday, September 21, 2009
Week of September 20th Report - Street Maintenance and Trash clean up.
One of my campaign commitments was for Bernalillo County Government to clean and maintain our community on a consistent basis. Not too long ago, our streets were clogged with weeds and trash along the medians, and trash littered the sides of these roads. I found this to be unacceptable.
I have worked with staff to institute a regular schedule of street maintenance and cleaning along the arterials and streets in our community. Thus, Bernalillo County Public works will provide regular clean-ups along our streets in addition to sweeping these routes. I have also directed Parks and Recreation to provide maintenance and clean-up at all Bernalillo County Parks and developed medians in the district.
You will now be seeing Bernalillo County trucks and sweepers patrolling the streets and cleaning up the trash, and you will find my office at the forefront of tackling this problem in our community. Please call my office if you find graffiti or want a clean-up in your area.
I have worked with staff to institute a regular schedule of street maintenance and cleaning along the arterials and streets in our community. Thus, Bernalillo County Public works will provide regular clean-ups along our streets in addition to sweeping these routes. I have also directed Parks and Recreation to provide maintenance and clean-up at all Bernalillo County Parks and developed medians in the district.
You will now be seeing Bernalillo County trucks and sweepers patrolling the streets and cleaning up the trash, and you will find my office at the forefront of tackling this problem in our community. Please call my office if you find graffiti or want a clean-up in your area.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
6 Month Report
I am sending this short letter to keep you updated on the progress we have made collectively over the past six months. In December of 2008, we began a campaign to change the way Bernalillo County Government operates. In neighborhoods, community centers, and in your homes, and businesses we discussed those things that were often left unsaid – why the lack of clean up in our community? Why the lack of shopping opportunities? Why the lack of responsiveness? I made a commitment to restore your trust in government and fulfill the promise you expect of it.
I was blessed by the confidence placed in me at the ballot box. I do not take that trust lightly. Because of this, we have will on an ambitious program to serve you and our community. Throughout the next four years, my job is make government work for you. In short, I am committed to make Bernalillo County part of our community! Not some bureaucratic agency that dictates from far away or unfairly taxes (impact fees, unnecessary tax burden, etc) without your input. No more. With your help, we will work to deliver a responsive, effective, and cost conscientious government.
Since taking office January 1, we have found it common to normally field between 10-25 constituent contacts per day. On an average, I personally visit 3-8 homes and businesses per week accompanied with high-level management to listen to issues and work with staff to address concerns and problems that impact and affect District 2. Over the past 180 days, we have been successful with the following initiatives:
Waiver of a portion of the impact fees for home owners and businesses. Thereby removing an unnecessary economic burden on Bernalillo County citizens during these tough economic times.
Restoration of the After School Program in our Community Centers. Assuring that our children have a safe place to go after school. This program had been disbanded and we fought to have a place for our kids.
Creation of 400 jobs with the stimulus monies. By using these monies, we repaired trails, fixed roads, cleaned our streets – all while employing Bernalillo County residents.
Trash and Graffiti Clean-ups throughout the Valley. Working to take back our streets and also requiring Bernalillo County to clean up governmental properties.
The Larrazollo Senior/Multi-Generational Center is under construction.
Fast and Courteous Constituent Service. Assuring that when you call my office, you will get an answer and a response from Bernalillo County Government.
This is just a short list of our accomplishments. If you wish to contact me, call me anytime. My assistant is, Dolores Herrera. I can be reached at 468.7448 I intend to communicate with you monthly and I encourage you to read my blog located at http://commissionerartdelacruz.blogspot.com/
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