How Tepa Engineering Services, LLC, a Tepa company, provided designs for the PAHA’s new affordable housing development, which included 30 single-family units for the Acoma Indian Reservation residents.
The Acoma Indian Reservation, located in Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico, needed affordable housing opportunities for its local community to create a more stable and sustainable society. While housing hardship varies by location, tribal areas can often face high rates of substandard housing conditions, such as a lack of plumbing.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the average rate in 2019 of overcrowding (defined as more than one person per room) for American Indians living on tribal lands was 13%, well above the national average of 3.3%. Overcrowding can cause homelessness, not by sleeping on the streets or in shelters, but by living doubled or tripled up. Like with homelessness, the high rates of overcrowding stem from a lack of quality affordable homes.
Approach
To help bring the construction of three new and affordable multi-family buildings for 30 single families to the Acoma Indian Reservation, we performed the design of Americans with disabilities (ADA)-compliant sidewalks, grading, a parking lot and a roadway extension. We also conducted stormwater management, including detention and conveyance, sanitary reviews, potable water and a water booster station to maintain consistent pressure and adequate flow. We provided utility coordination and American Land and Title Association (ALTA) survey coordination. Our team remained flexible to complete the project during a pandemic by conducting virtual site visits and frequent online meetings.
Our Process - Services Provided
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
-
Engaged with key stakeholders to clarify and resolve unique community needs for possible onsite issues.
-
Developed plans for delivery of site grading, pavement, storm and sanitary sewers, water lines and plot lines.
-
Reviewed civil shop drawings with architect and client to ensure the intent of the design was met and gained stakeholder buy-in.
Infrastructure Engineering Services
- Civil engineering and site design
- ADA-compliant streetscape
- Stormwater management and detention
- Sanitary sewer design
- Utilities mapping
- Internal roadway and parking design
PROJECT Management
Maintained constant communication with architect and the client to manage compressed schedule.
Addressed solutions for poor existing soil conditions.
Administered any changes to plans under the original scope of work.
Assisted the client with preparing bid and construction contract documents.
Provided expertise for construction inspections, site visits and certifications throughout the project.
Project Completion Action
Drawings for construction and bid plans submitted to architect, the client and pump station vendor.
Recommendations for additional managed services offered to the client for consideration.
Final reports and data submitted to the client for final approval.
