Why do we need the Trinity Site Project

• Replace Dilapidated Infrastructure

A plan to turn the Trinity Site over to retail use has been discussed in one form or another for the past 40 years and is an integral part of the current Downtown Plan. The county and school facilities that sit on this property have long since outlived their useful lives. Many of these facilities consist of Quonset huts which are temporary buildings that have a normal lifespan of 15 years. These buildings are now dilapidated, beyond repair and approaching 60 years of age. These facilities must be replaced and the associated costs will need to be incurred in any event, so now is the opportune time to utilize this prime location for retail and development that will enhance our community. This project will also produce revenue upon completion which will pay for the new school and county facilities and provide a long term source of income for both entities.


• Increased Quality of Life and County Revenue Related to Increased Amenities and Retail Opportunities

The request of residents for more retail has been the number one response to annual surveys that for the last 10 years has assessed the needs of the community. Numerous studies have shown that Los Alamos has a 60-70% retail leakage from the community and only 11% of resident’s income is spent locally. This means that 89 cents out of every dollar spent is used to make purchases outside Los Alamos County. This money spent in neighboring communities provides revenue obtained from Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) that funds the services and infrastructure of those communities as opposed to that of Los Alamos.

This project will provide needed shopping opportunities, added shopping variety as well as reducing gas, travel and time that local residents expend to leave the community for shopping. An increase in local shopping translates into an increase in GRT that funds essential county services.

• Provides a Long Term Source of Revenue for Schools and County Through Lease Revenue as Well as GRT.




• Project Utilizes Transferred Land for Intended Purpose of Economic Revitalization.

This 42-acre parcel includes 2 adjacent parcels of DOE land that have been conveyed to the county and schools in lieu of the annual self-sufficiency payments the county had been receiving from the government. The two parcels involved—A-8 and A-11—are being conveyed by DOE for the sole purpose of economic development in order for Los Alamos to become self-sufficient and develop a sustainable economy. Our local and national elected officials have encouraged and supported all progress toward that goa