One of the best neighborhoods in Las Cruces is in the process of getting a big and much-needed infrastructure enhancement.
Del Rey Boulevard soon have a bridge over the Sandhill Arroyo. 
Home owners who live off Del Rey have been requesting this improvement for years and their persistence has finally paid off.
The $2 million project, funded by the federal government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be completed in early 2011.
The Sandhill Arroyo is one of the largest arroyos in Las Cruces. It carries water from the Organ Mountains to the Rio Grande. As you can imagine, along the way it picks up a lot of water. Del Rey is about half way down its path and never had adequate improvements for crossing the arroyo. During rainy season this can cause headaches to residents.
In addition to the bridge, the city of Las Cruces had started addressing the concerns by building a large water retention pond on the east mesa. This retention pond, nicknamed Watterfalls, is 15 acres and cost about $3 million. It protects neighborhoods throughout the east mesa and in the future will give a much-needed recreation area for east mesa children. For the residents along Del Rey during the rainy season it stops the water rushing down from the mountains which greatly reduces the amount of water crossing Del Rey.
Over the years the Sandhill Arroyo has made crossing the road difficult, caused multiple reconstructions and ultimately led to serious safety concerns. Now home owners can rest at ease. They will finally have a cross-able access point to their homes during a heavy rain.
These projects are just in time for the rebounding real estate market in Las Cruces. The affordable neighborhoods off Del Rey Blvd. range from new to well established. Let me know if you are looking for a home in this improved area of town. There are many great options!
