Water authority approves company to provide land restoration services

The Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority board on Thursday unanimously approved Drake Industries, LLC to provide land restoration services.

“I think we’re all excited about (the agreement) because of what it means in the way of increased valuing and respect for property owner rights as these property owners partner with us on this critical project,” said Mike Morris, Clovis mayor who also chairs ENMWUA.

Water Authority Administrator Orlando Ortega presented the recommendation to the board.

Ortega said the board had advertised in request for proposals for land restoration and management. He said they received only one proposal and it was already reviewed by the evaluation committee.

Chief Procurement Officer Jacquelynn Bowens said the contract is for four years.

“The compensation rate will be determined on a project by project basis and the project cost will be brought forth to the board for review and recommendation of approval via addendum to the contract,” Bowens said.

Eldon Merrick, a Portales city councilor and water authority board member, said he is enthusiastic about partnering with Drake Industries, which is headquartered in Clovis.

“I was very impressed with the history of work that they had done in the past and I’m happy it is a local company that has submitted this proposal and I think they’re very well suited for what we’re needing,” Merrick said.