New road construction and upgrading projects across New Mexico are expected to see work begin by next spring, now that they have secured state funding.
Members of the New Mexico Transportation Commission have committed just under $50 million in state funding to long-planned local, county, and tribal projects.
By design, that six-member commission determines overall policy for the New Mexico Department of Transportation and meets half a dozen times per year.
In order to receive the commission-approved funding, local governments must agree to kick in 5 percent of whatever the state is paying for the project in question.
In a statement, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham noted the challenge that the state has faced in recent years is addressing the declining condition of its transportation infrastructure.
“It will take time and focus to get to where we need to be, but we have begun the process and will see it through expeditiously,” she said.
Project funding approved by the commission for Local Government Transportation Funds include nearly $689,000 for the rehabilitation of Highway 44 in the town of Bernalillo; exactly $100,000 for work on Gonzales Road, as well as another $150,000 for the upgrading of the Torres Trail, both in the Village of Tijeras.
Funding to the tune of more than $1.7 million will target the Unser Boulevard Phase 11B right of way acquisition in Rio Rancho, along with the $800,000 reconstruction of Southern Boulevard, also in Rio Rancho.
The Village of Eagle Nest will be taking on the $1.2 million improvement of Fisherman’s Lane, while Farmington will see the $575,000 resurfacing of its San Juan Boulevard.
One of the bigger projects is the $2.5 million reconstruction of the Industrial Park Business Loop in Deming.
By Garry Boulard
