Modern Stormwater Infrastructure Comes to the Pueblo Alto Neighborhood
New GSI techniques will help beautify the neighborhood, but also mitigate flooding for neighbors
ALBUQUERQUE – Construction has started on Albuquerque’s first neighborhood-scale Green Stormwater Infrastructure, or GSI, project. The Pueblo Alto neighborhood will soon be transformed with new features that won’t just calm traffic, but soak up stormwater, cut flooding, and add a fresh burst of greenery to local streets.
In the 1950s, the Pueblo Alto neighborhood, east of San Mateo near Constitution, was built in the remains of an old arroyo. As the city has grown, storm water infrastructure has not kept up and the area experiences flooding after large storms.
But there is a modern engineering fix that should alleviate a lot of the flooding in the area; Green Stormwater Infrastructure projects use new types of soil and techniques to manage drainage and stormwater runoff .
“Mile Hi neighbors have dealt with flooding for years, and my office has been working with DMD and the community through every phase of this project to find real solutions,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. “Green Stormwater Infrastructure is exactly the kind of smart, forward-looking investment our neighborhoods deserve. It reduces flooding, protects our aquifer, and makes our streets more livable. I'm glad to see shovels in the ground and look forward to residents seeing the results.”
The other bonus, however, to GSI projects is that they also use plants, trees and landscaping that not only improves the filtering into the aquifer, but also adds greenery to a neighborhood.
“Existing infrastructure can’t handle big storms, and needs a full update,” said Jennifer Turner, Director of the Municipal Development Department. “Green stormwater infrastructure helps alleviate flooding while also making the neighborhood nicer.”
GSI has been successfully implemented in other locations nationwide and offers numerous benefits:
- Filters stormwater before it enters arroyos and the aquifer.
- Reduces sewer overflows and keeps stormwater out of the system.
- Minimizes flooding.
- Adds greenery.
- Reduces standing water and related mosquito hatches.
- Calms traffic via curb extensions.
- Quickly stores stormwater underground.
In the Mile Hi neighborhood, crews will be adding underground water storage tanks. These tanks remove water faster from the street level and drain in 24 to 48 hours. They are easier to clean and maintain, keep streets cleaner, and drain faster than the current system.
The overall cost of the project is about $6.5 million, and construction should be complete by the beginning of the 2026 monsoon season. For more information, visit the Project Website.