Depending upon the approval of the voters, Albuquerque could soon be taking on a series of infrastructure and public improvement projects with a dollar worth of around $140 million.
Mayor Tim Keller has proposed an array of infrastructure initiatives, all of which will be part of a big general obligation bond package in the November 2021 city elections.
The largest segment of the proposal at $28.4 million would, among other projects, fund construction of a new city Fire Station 12, to go up in the growing southeast International District. That project comes with a $4 million price tag.
The police and fire projects will also include $9 million for renovating and expanding the Southeast Area Command facility at 800 Louisiana Boulevard, as well as $7 million for a new Public Safety Center, on the southeast side of the city.
The second largest bond category, at $25 million, will go for street improvement projects across the city. That category includes $4.8 million for storm drainage improvements; $3 million for the expansion of McMahon Boulevard on the northwest side of the city; and $2.5 million for overall median and interstate improvement projects.
Exactly $16.4 million will target parks and recreation projects, which includes $2.2 million for the construction of an indoor sports complex; and a combined $2.2 million for both golf course improvements as well as regional park facilities development and renovation projects.
Smaller projects include $6 million for a multigenerational center in the city’s Cibola Loop neighborhood; and $500,000 for remodeling and repair work to the historic downtown KiMo Theater.
In a statement, Mayor Keller said the proposed funded projects were vital in a “post-Covid Albuquerque,” a place where “hard-working families can get ahead and kids can grow up safely and have opportunities right here at home.”
In commenting upon an additional $15 million that will go for housing projects, the Mayor added: “With the funding we included here, plus what we’ve added in the last year, there is more than $10 million in the pipeline for affordable housing, with more options for families than ever, at a time when they are needed more than ever.”
By Garry Boulard
