The Sandoval County Commission unanimously approved a professional services agreement on Jan. 28 with EPX New Mexico to construct a new animal shelter for $8,739,996.21, including gross receipts tax.
The vote marks a significant milestone for a project years in the making, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and required piecing together funding from multiple sources.
“We were able to cobble together from so many different funding sources, complete funding for this project so that we can move forward,” Commissioner Katherine Bruch said during the meeting.
The contract authorizes the county manager to approve subsequent amendments to the agreement as needed during construction.
Commissioner Bruch said officials plan to hold a groundbreaking ceremony soon where the public can view schematic design plans, including details about a proposed dog park that has not been widely shared.
“I think the community is really interested in getting a closer look at that,” Bruch said, noting the delay in sharing plans was due to waiting on infrastructure work following the site’s purchase.
Commission Chair Jordan Juarez echoed support for the project.
“I do think it is great this is happening,” Juarez said. “Not only for the animals, but also for staff to actually have the resources they need and the facility to use.”
The new facility, to be located in Bernalillo, will replace the county’s existing shelter and provide expanded services for animal welfare and control operations.
The commission’s approval allows construction to move forward on the long-anticipated project, which could be finished by the end of the year or early 2027.