$16 Million in ARRA Funds for New Local Road & Transit Construction Projects in New Mexico

June 18, 2009 -- SANTA FE- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment today announced the approval of an additional $16.1 million worth of local road and transit construction projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The 14 projects are located in Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Luna, Curry, Roosevelt, Eddy, Lea, Otero, Sandoval and Valencia counties.

“These projects represent our commitment to move federal stimulus money into construction projects as quickly and efficiently as possible and put New Mexicans all across the state to work,” Governor Richardson said. “These projects are all top infrastructure priorities in their communities. During my recent statewide listening tour, I heard first-hand how badly they are all needed for safety and local economic development."

“We have been working closely with local governments to identify and prioritize their transportation needs even before the stimulus bill was signed,” Transportation Secretary Gary L.J. Girón said. “Our readiness is paying off in getting these projects under construction and creating much-needed jobs for our residents."

Since the beginning of the year, Governor Richardson and NMORR have announced nearly $280 million worth of state and local road projects, transit and aviation projects across New Mexico.

This transportation stimulus package is expected to create more than 1,500 jobs.

The 14 new approved projects include:

• Reinken Road in Belen-Pedestrian connection to downtown Belen RailRunner Station; estimated cost $3,000,000

• Berino Road in Dona Ana County- Road and drainage improvements; estimated cost $2,500,000

• NM 22 on Santa Domingo Pueblo- Repaving, restriping, drainage; estimated cost $2,000,000

• NM 22 on Cochiti Pueblo- Shoulder widening, repaving, restriping and signage; estimated cost $1,500,000

• Tramway Bike Trail in Albuquerque-Improvements from Tramway Terrace to Central; estimated cost $1,000,000

• NM 47 on Isleta Pueblo-Road improvements-estimated cost $878,722

• Hull Street Bridge in Clovis-Replacement bridge; estimated cost $831,439

(DOT has also identified approximately $5.8 million in federal funds to complete this project)

• NM 209 in Curry County- Repave and rehabilitate 2 miles of roadway surface; estimated cost $831,489

• U.S. 60/70/84 from Texico to the State Line, Enhancements, pedestrian facilities; estimated cost $249,747

• NM 88 in Roosevelt County, Reconstruction of 2 miles of roadway; estimated cost $831,489

• East Sanger Street in Hobbs- Improvements to meet ADA standards estimated cost $831,439

• Eagle Draw Bridge in Artesia-Construction of bridge; estimated cost $831,439

• Alamo, La Luz and N. Florida Streets in Alamogordo-Road improvements; estimated cost $831,439

• NM 11 in Columbus- Installation of a left turning lane; estimated cost $350,000

Source: New Mexico Governor