N.M. Congressional Democrats, Mayor Keller Welcome Almost $11.5 Million In Federal Investments For Albuquerque Downtown Trail Project
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), and City of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller are welcoming $11,466,938 in federal investments from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to construct a mile long, multi-use urban trail going north to south and through the heart of Downtown Albuquerque. This is part of the city’s larger Albuquerque Rail Trail project.
“From economic growth to pedestrian and cyclist safety, this new trail will help grow so many opportunities in our city,” said Heinrich. “I have fought for years to make sure federal dollars like the RAISE grant reach communities like ours - I am thrilled to see the results of that here. Mayor Keller and the City of Albuquerque have put so much effort into this project; this federal investment will help get it funded.”
“This federal investment marks a critical step forward for this innovative project that will add more economic opportunities and expand recreation while shining a light on Albuquerque’s rich culture and history,” said Luján. “I’m honored to join my colleagues and Mayor Keller to announce this funding from the Department of Transportation that will help support the Rail Trail project, connect communities, and boost our local economy.”
“The Albuquerque Rail Trail project will help reconnect our community and revitalize downtown Albuquerque,” said Stansbury, who asked DOT Secretary Buttigieg to prioritize the project this March. “We’re excited that over $11 million is coming to Albuquerque to fund this important project that will support local economic development and jobs and creative new spaces for New Mexico families. I’m thrilled that this investment will help make the hard work of Mayor Keller and the City of Albuquerque a reality.”
“In addition to the wonderful grant money we received to complete our own Rail Trail in Santa Fe, I am pleased that this additional $11 million investment is going toward this project in Albuquerque,” said Leger Fernández. “Trails for bicycles, pedestrians, and families are vital to our comunidades, and I am thrilled to see these projects coming to our beautiful New Mexico.”
“We are grateful to our congressional delegation for their support in creating a landmark for the City of Albuquerque,” said Keller. “This pedestrian parkway will be an amenity that changes the way we experience downtown, helping to attract and retain a modern workforce, something our families will love for generations. This is a defining project for our city, a celebration of our history and culture.”
New Mexico Congressional Democrats sent a letter to DOT Secretary Peter Buttigieg supporting the City of Albuquerque’s FY2022 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant application.
The RAISE grant will add to the already secured $15 million in city funding and $10 million in state funding, bringing the new total to $36.5 million.
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