Infrastructure Strategic Plan

Infrastructure

Success in infrastructure will be evident when the County provides reliable, well-maintained roads, utilities, and public spaces that meet the needs of residents. This includes improvements in the quality of roads, water, and electric services, as well as enhanced recreational facilities, like the planned rec-center. The completion of a new administrative building to house all County departments will increase efficiency in service delivery. Residents will experience fewer complaints about roads and utilities, and the community will take pride in its well-maintained infrastructure, which reflects positivity on the county’s overall quality of life.

Initiatives

Since the county does not manage all infrastructure used by residents, interagency collaboration with other Entities such as the Town, HOA’s, metro districts, and utility authorities is essential.
This initiative focuses on fostering partnerships to improve infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions.

Archuleta County’s solution to these issues will be continued public outreach and communication. The key to our success will be by maintaining transparency and engaging the community. The county will prioritize communication about infrastructure projects and services through public outreach efforts.

High-quality reliable services are also going to be our priority as we navigate towards our goals. Providing high quality reliable infrastructure services is key priority for the county. This initiative will focus on ensuring that infrastructure systems meet the needs of residents both now and in the future.

Actions

Establish formal working group
Develop shared infrastructure plans
Create joint funding or resource-sharing agreements
Establish interagency communication protocols
Coordinate emergency response efforts
Create infrastructure portfolio dashboard

Develop a communications strategy for emergencies
Prioritize known and anticipated projects
Conduct regular maintenance assessments
Implement preventative maintenance programs
Develop sustainability guidelines
Monitor performance and reliability
Engage underserved community

Interagency Collaboration

TBD

In Progress

Completed or Current

Establish a formal infrastructure working groupCreate a regular forum for County officials to meet with representatives from the town, HOAs, metro districts, and utility authorities to coordinate infrastructure projects, share updates, and align priorities.

Archuleta County meets regularly with CDOT, LPEA, Black Hills Energy, PAWSD, ECHOIT, Pagosa Fire District, and TOPS at a Joint Utility Committee meeting and attends the Region 9 SWTPR meeting. We meet bi—monthly with the PLPOA. We are working towards setting a quarterly meeting with Aspen Springs, Loma Linda, San Juan River Village, Alpha, and Timber Ridge metro districts (Last meeting held 6/11//26). Yellow

Develop shared infrastructure plansWork with partner organizations to develop and update shared infrastructure plans that include road maintenance, water systems, and electric services, ensuring that all entities are working toward common goals and timelines.

In our established Joint Utility meetings, we provide updates to partner organizations and communicate on a professional level throughout the year as needed. All stakeholders provide a project list for the upcoming year so all affected parties can also plan accordingly. (Last meeting held 7/23/26). Yellow

Create joint funding or resource-sharing agreementsExplore opportunities to share costs or resources between the County and other entities to more effectively manage large infrastructure projects, such as road repairs or utility upgrades.

Archuleta County and the Town of Pagosa Springs have continued to work together closely for the past three years. We have worked together on the Clean Mobility Strategic Plan that paid us $16,666.00 for our cooperation. Worked with CDC, Habitat for Humanity, LPEA, PAWSD on roads and utilities for the Chris Mountain Development using State & local funds. We have a standing intergovernmental agreement for the shared use of machinery. Yellow

Establish interagency communication protocols:Develop clear protocols for communication between the County and external agencies to ensure consistent information flow on infrastructure projects, especially during emergencies or major disruptions.

Archuleta County Road and Bridge work closely with the Sheriffs Office in significant emergencies and with other local agencies at OEM/MAC meetings. Road and Bridge staff annually obtain a red card certification. This gives them the training and ability to assist with fires as needed (IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY DIAL 911). Guidelines are in place internally-Yellow

Coordinate emergency response efforts:Collaborate with partners to ensure that emergency response plans for critical infrastructure (such as water or electric outages) are coordinated across agencies and communicated to residents.

Archuleta County Sheriff, Public Works Director, and County Manager schedule OEM/MAC meeting with partner agencies prior to and during potential/existing emergency events. We have an ongoing discussion throughout the winter months that relates to snowfall and for the pending PSPS possibilities. Archuleta County also carries out round table discussion with LPEA in the event of a red flag warning or power outage updates (last meeting held 5/13/26). Green

Public Outreach And Communication Actions

To maintain transparency and engage the community, the County will prioritize communication about infrastructure projects and services through public outreach efforts.

Hold quarterly public information sessionsHost quarterly sessions to update residents on upcoming infrastructure projects, timelines, and impacts. These sessions will offer a forum for feedback and questions, ensuring that the community stays informed and engaged.

Currently Archuleta County Public Works provides a semi-annual and annual update of all projects completed throughout the year. In emergency circumstances or for immediate publication we utilize the County’s website and Facebook page to keep information accurate and the public up to date. This year we will be carrying out multiple Community Forums with Public Works updates (last meeting held 4/13/26). Green

Create an infrastructure portfolio dashboard:Develop an online dashboard that showcases the status of all County managed infrastructure projects. This dashboard will include timelines, project budgets, and key milestones, providing transparency and easy access to information for residents.

TBD – Red

Engage underserved communities:Conduct outreach efforts to ensure that residents in underserved areas, such as rural communities, are informed about infrastructure projects that affect them, and ensure they have a platform to express concerns or provide feedback.

We work closely with the PLPOA and send out information in their weekly newsletter. Before a major project is started, Road and Bridge reaches out to the affected residents to inform them of the project and answer any questions. Working to expand/improve outreach to Aspen Springs and Arboles areas. Yellow

Develop a communications strategy for emergencies:Implement a communications plan that provides real-time updates to residents during infrastructure emergencies, such as road closures or utility outages, using multiple channels (social media, text alerts, etc.).

Currently Archuleta County uses various avenues to communicate real time updates. In the event of emergencies, you can find updates on Facebook, Archuleta County Website, or may be sent through NIXL that is operated by Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office. Yellow
https://www.facebook.com/ArchuletaCountyGov
https://local.nixle.com/register/

High-quality, Reliable Services

Providing high-quality and reliable infrastructure services is a key priority for the County. This initiative will focus on ensuring that infrastructure systems meet the needs of residents both now and in the future.

Prioritize known and anticipated projects:Create a ranked list of all current and upcoming infrastructure projects based on factors such as community need, safety, and long-term sustainability.

In Progress – Most major capital projects that are grant funded would include a planning phase that requires each department to plan, communicate, and receive the proper approval before the start of construction. Public Works annually updates the road classification spreadsheet which breaks down road classification, average daily traffic, and the detailed maintenance each road has received in years past. All this information is also discussed and documented throughout the budget process. Yellow

Conduct regular maintenance assessments:Perform routine assessments of all County-managed infrastructure, including roads, water systems, and public buildings, to identify areas that require maintenance or upgrades.

Archuleta County Fleet Department uses asset tracking software to keep 100% of the records regarding vehicle replacements, repairs, fuel consumption, parts, and usage. Green
Building and Grounds Department Tracks each repair and keeps record of what repairs are made. Any requests made by the department’s head are classified as a capital project and are either presented as such in a public meeting or applied to next year’s budget process as a capital project. Green Last Fire Inspection 7/3/2026
Road and Bridge collects all resident concerns when planning for future projects. Each concern must meet a certain criteria before being added to the list of projects as budget constraints factor heavily on future project planning (All projects are planned and communicated thoroughly before being approved). Yellow

Implement preventive maintenance programs:Establish preventive maintenance schedules for roads, utilities, and public facilities to reduce the likelihood of costly repairs and improve the longevity of County infrastructure.

Each repair is documented and added to our road classification spreadsheet and is scheduled to receive maintenance every 3-5 years. Green – only 14% of asphalt roads are classified as poor condition.
- The average lifespan of a newly paved asphalt road is 20 years with no maintenance. In recent years Road and Bridge has made a considerable effort to provide safe and smooth driving surface on asphalt roads.
Fleet uses their asset tracking software to track repairs and vehicles that are either depreciated to zero or the vehicle is close to the end of useful life. Green – 80% of small fleet meet the average lifespan
- The average lifespan of fleet vehicles is 5-10 years depending on usage. Yellow

Develop sustainability guidelines:Incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into infrastructure projects, including the use of green building materials, energy-efficient technologies, and water conservation measures.

TBD. Red

Monitor performance and reliability:Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to regularly monitor the quality and reliability of infrastructure services, and adjust maintenance and improvement plans accordingly.

Annual training for Department Heads:(6 of 6 completed training. Annually department heads attend training courses and conferences that keep them up to date and knowledgeable of any new regulations or practices within their industry.
96% Closure rate to resident complaint submissions: 90% through July 2026.
- Overall resident complaints dramatically reduced demonstrating communication with the public has improved.
Efficiency statistics for Department products: Each department has their own protocol for tracking the efficiency of the products/methods used.
R&B using PlowOps to track winter routes and Cartograph to track labor, vehicle usage, and materials.
Fleet uses asset tracking software that tracks staff efficiency, part usage, fuel consumption, and vehicle replacement schedule.
0% Employee turnover rate in Public Works in year 2025. [18% January through July of 2026].
- Turnover was reduced from an average of 30% to 18% in the past year and improved workplace morale.
- <10.2 years average fleet vehicle age: [10.4 average fleet vehicle age through month 2026].
  - Fleet has replaced vehicles and provided up-to-date equipment making other departments more effective and efficient.
  - Increase certain Road and Bridge tasks in-house as opposed to hiring out subcontractors to complete projects: [Provide list of 2026 in-house work or $ amount of cost shifting in-house, etc.]
    - They have also tried different technology regarding road maintenance and have seen great success and savings in doing so.
    - Decided to apply Mag Chloride saving Archuleta County over $80,000.
    - Relocated the Planning Trailer to meet ADA regulations saving Archuleta County $10,000. Yellow

Milestones

Completion of interagency infrastructure working group:A formal working group is established with regular meetings, ensuring collaboration between the County and external partners for coordinated infrastructure projects.

Launch of infrastructure portfolio dashboard:The County successfully creates and launches an online infrastructure portfolio dashboard, providing real-time updates on project status and key milestones to the public.

Prioritized project list developed:The County completes a prioritized list of current and upcoming infrastructure projects, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and community needs are met.

Increased public engagement in quarterly sessions:Public information sessions on infrastructure see an increase in attendance and participation, demonstrating improved community engagement

Reduction in infrastructure-related complaints:A measurable reduction in the number of complaints about roads, water, and utilities is recorded over two years, reflecting improvements in infrastructure quality and reliability.