‘Major’ subcontractor abandons AHS construction

Alpine ISD Interim Superintendent Dennis McEntire confirmed Thursday that the electrical, plumbing and HVAC company working on the new Alpine High School building had abandoned its contract.

McEntire said High Ridge Construction, an El Paso firm, cited “complete financial failure” when it notified the construction manager that they were leaving the project.

“Imperial is looking for replacement subcontractors,” said McEntire. “In a conversation [Wednesday], their initial estimate is it will delay the completion date by an estimated three weeks.”

Materials for the three trades remain on the job site. “My impression at this time is the electrical should not pose a large issue. The plumbing will be more problematic and the HVAC will fall somewhere in between,” said McEntire.

The 2022-23 school year had been projected to start in the new building. The board of trustees will next meet on May 18, at which time they will consider a possible delay, said McEntire.