Magdalena continues effort to secure millions in state funding for critical wastewater infrastructure

Mayor Michael Thompson told trustees the village is pursuing roughly $3 million through the Water Trust Board to repair and rehabilitate the community’s fifth wastewater lagoon, a project he described as urgent and foundational to the village’s long‑term system health. The Water Trust Board requires applicants to adopt an asset management plan and name an internal team before funding can be considered.

Thompson said the village had been working “under tight deadlines” with Bohannan Huston, Inc. and state officials in the days leading up to the meeting. The Water Trust Board had already requested confirmation that Magdalena would adopt the plan and identify committee members by Jan. 22, prompting staff to submit a draft resolution ahead of the vote.

Trustees unanimously approved Resolution 2026‑04, committing the village to develop and implement a full asset management plan within three years. The plan must address the condition of all water and wastewater assets, define service levels, identify critical components, outline life‑cycle costs and establish a long‑term funding strategy.

The board then appointed three members to the new Asset Management Plan Committee: Trustee Peter Emery, Trustee Jim Nelson and Utilities Director Robert Aguilar. Thompson said Emery will chair the group, Aguilar will provide technical knowledge of the system, and Nelson brings historical context from prior boards.

Emery briefed the board on the state’s “A.M. Kan Work” framework and the required Asset Management IQ test, which the committee completed earlier in the week. He said the initial scores establish a baseline and will guide the village’s progress as it documents system conditions, evaluates risks and plans future capital needs.

Clerk/Treasurer Juanita Puente said the application process had been “stressful” but productive, noting that the village met the Water Trust Board’s initial submission requirements.