Grants Crews Clear Rio San Jose Ahead of Expected Monsoon Rains

  • A section of the Rio San Jose near the George Hanosh Bridge shows the results of clearing work by City of Grants crews. Mayor Erik Garcia said approximately one mile of the river channel has been cleared of dirt, weeds, litter and other debris in preparation for anticipated monsoon rains. Diego Lopez - CC
    A section of the Rio San Jose near the George Hanosh Bridge shows the results of clearing work by City of Grants crews. Mayor Erik Garcia said approximately one mile of the river channel has been cleared of dirt, weeds, litter and other debris in preparation for anticipated monsoon rains. Diego Lopez - CC
  • City of Grants employee Brian Smith operates a longreach excavator along the Rio San Jose near the George Hanosh Bridge. Smith, who has worked for the city for 15 years, said operating the equipment safely requires experience and careful attention to the machine’s limits. Diego Lopez - CC
    City of Grants employee Brian Smith operates a longreach excavator along the Rio San Jose near the George Hanosh Bridge. Smith, who has worked for the city for 15 years, said operating the equipment safely requires experience and careful attention to the machine’s limits. Diego Lopez - CC

    GRANTS, N.M. – City of Grants crews have cleared approximately one mile of the Rio San Jose as part of an effort to reduce flood risks before monsoon rains arrive in the area.

    Mayor Erik Garcia toured the work Tuesday, July 14, traveling from the recently replaced George Hanosh Bridge along the riverbank where crews have been removing accumulated dirt, weeds, litter and other debris.

    Garcia said the work has been underway for about three weeks, representing approximately nine full workdays along the milelong section of the river.

    The City of Grants is working with the Rio San Jose Flood Control District to help fund the project. Garcia did not have the project’s cost or funding breakdown available during the tour.

    The work includes using heavy equipment to scoop dirt and sediment from the channel while clearing vegetation and trash that could obstruct the flow of water during a storm.

    Brian Smith, who has worked for the City of Grants for 15 years, operates the excavator being used along the river. Smith said the equipment requires experience, patience and careful attention.

    “You can’t just put anyone behind this. You’ve got to be very careful with this equipment,” Smith said.

    Smith, 53, said he has been working with and learning about excavators since he was 12 years old.

    “It’s all the little ins and outs of the machine that you learn – the bells and whistles, how far you can go on the edge and the complicated little details,” Smith said.

    Garcia said Smith’s 15 years with the city represent the type of employee longevity city officials would like to create throughout the municipal workforce.

    The Rio San Jose has flooded during previous monsoon seasons, with rising water creating concerns near bridges, roads and surrounding properties. Garcia said city departments have shifted employees and equipment as needed to complete the clearing project.

    Although the lack of monsoon rainfall has been difficult for the environment, Garcia said the dry period gave crews time to complete the work before storms expected later in the week.

    The clearing does not eliminate the possibility of flooding, but city officials hope removing sediment, weeds and debris will allow water to move more freely through the channel and reduce the likelihood of blockages during heavy rainfall.