Latest news with #ScottAndrews
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dona Ana County cuts ties with CRRUA after years of water quality issues
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Doña Ana County is ending its longstanding agreement with the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), an agency that has been the subject of years of resident frustration and alleged state violations over water quality in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa. County officials made the announcement last week, citing a need to prioritize public health and restore community trust after repeated complaints of dirty, foul-smelling water. 'This is about clean water. Sure, but it's also about equity. It's about ensuring that no community feels forgotten and no resident goes unheard,' said Scott Andrews, Doña Ana County manager. CRRUA has been responsible for water and wastewater services in the area, but the agency has faced scrutiny for alleged state violations related to arsenic levels in drinking water. For years, residents have reported murky water, prompting many to rely on bottled water and home filtration systems. Vivian Fuller, a resident of Santa Teresa, said water quality issues have persisted. 'We've been fighting for many years. Clean, safe drinking water, that's the ultimate goal,' she said. The County's decision initiates a four-year transition period, where CRRUA will continue to operate under closer oversight. During a press conference on Friday, County officials said they are exploring long-term alternatives, including selecting a new provider. 'We have already hired HDR Engineering to do the assessment of the CRRUA system, so we can start figuring out the condition of the wells, condition of the pipes, conditions of the tanks, condition of fire hydrants, all aspects of the system,' said Stephen Lopez, assistant county manager for Doña Ana County. In a statement sent to KTSM, CRRUA said: 'This is a matter between Sunland Park and Doña Ana County. They are co-owners (of CRRUA). We will continue to operate as normal after Doña Ana County's decision to leave the JPA (joint powers agreement).' County leaders say they plan to hold a series of community meetings in the coming months to keep residents informed and involved in the transition. CRRUA said it has recently achieved 94.8 percent compliance in correcting deficiencies identified by the New Mexico Environment Department in its 2023 survey of the utility. Of the 58 deficiencies identified, CRRUA said it has corrected 55. Since Jan. 24, 2024, CRRUA said it has passed 22 arsenic tests, including four quarterly NMED tests, the utility said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Doña Ana County takes steps to terminate Camino Real Regional Utility Authority
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to take steps to end the agreement that created the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority. The Board of County Commissioners took the vote at its meeting on Tuesday, May 13. The County said it is giving the City of Sunland Park immediate notice of its intent to terminate the joint powers agreement (JPA) that created CRRUA. CRRUA conducts 'cost of service' survey to look at rates Board of County Commissioners Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said it was 'for mutual benefit to all parties.' The County said it 'quickly notified' the City of Sunland Park after the Commission's vote and will follow up with a formal, written notice. The most recent version of the JPA was amended in 2024 and the agreement's termination provisions require parties to notify each other, if they wish to terminate the agreement, the County said. County staff will work with the City of Sunland Park to develop a plan for a transition and for dividing assets and debt of the utility, the County said. Until that process is completed, CRRUA will continue to operate the water and wastewater services in the southern area of the County and within the City of Sunland Park, the County said. 'It is difficult to estimate how long this process will take to stand down CRRUA. The County intends to assess CRRUA's system assets to determine needs and priorities,' the County said. 'We are committed to being transparent in this process and keeping utility customers informed. We will also explore ways in which we can provide short-term assistance to residents,' County Manager Scott Andrews said. 'We will share more details as soon as we can and move forward in community (meetings), working with our state stakeholders, including the Governor's Office, the New Mexico Border Authority and others, as needed.' We have reached out to CRRUA for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to watch the Doña Ana County State of the County address May 6
Doña Ana County will host a State of the County address on May 6, 2025. According to a county news release, Doña Ana County Manager Scott Andrews and County Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez will deliver the State of Doña Ana County Address, which "will highlight the County's accomplishments over the past year, providing updates on key initiatives, and outlining a vision for the future." More: New Mexico State Auditor orders special audit of Doña Ana County and Sheriff's Office The State of the County address will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at the Doña Ana County Government Center located at 845 N. Motel Blvd. According to a county news release, members of the public who wish to attend must RSVP by emailing amandag@ The public is also invited to watch the address online on the county's YouTube page. Increasing community engagement and messaging were among Andrews' priorities that he explained during his public interview process. The Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners ultimately selected Andrews in August 2024. Andrews had most recently served as the assistant city manager in Bakersfield, California, for two years. Andrews signed a three-year contract on Aug. 19, 2025 after interviewing for the position as one of four finalists. The County will pay him an annual salary of $220,000. Among his top priorities, Andrews is tasked with developing and implementing the county's strategic plan. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Doña Ana County schedules State of the County address
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Doña Ana County to host State of the County Address
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Doña Ana County manager and the County commission chair will deliver the State of Doña Ana County Address next week in Las Cruces. Doña Ana County Manager Scott Andrews and County Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez will deliver the address from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at the Doña Ana County Government Center located at 845 N. Motel Blvd. The public is invited to view the live stream of the address through the County's YouTube Channel. According to the County, the speech will highlight 'the County's accomplishments over the past year, providing updates on key initiatives and outlining a vision for the future.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
