Rep. Stansbury, Mayor Keller Celebrate Nearly $11.5 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for Downtown Trail Project
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) and Mayor Tim Keller welcomed U.S. Department of Transportation Under Secretary Carlos Monje to celebrate nearly $11.5 million in federal investments from DOT to expand economic development in Downtown Albuquerque. The funding will help construct a mile long, multi-use urban trail going north to south through the heart of Downtown as part of the city’s larger Albuquerque Rail Trail project.
The Albuquerque Rail Trail project is designed to transform Downtown Albuquerque’s rail corridor into a vibrant and artistic urban trail that creates opportunities for economic development, healthy recreation, and cultural expression. Rep. Stansbury asked DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg to prioritize the project in a call in March and joined New Mexico’s Congressional Democrats in an April letter urging the inclusion of the project in DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.
"At the Department of Transportation, we believe that no matter where you live or how you travel, everyone deserves to get around affordably and safely," said Under Secretary Carlos Monje Jr. "We're proud to award Albuquerque $11.4 million to build the Albuquerque Rail Trail--a one mile urban trail that will reduce emissions, prevent deadly crashes, and give people who bike a better, safer way to get around their community."
“I’m grateful that Under Secretary Monje was able to see firsthand how the Albuquerque Rail Trail project will help to connect our communities, support our economic growth, and revitalize downtown Albuquerque,” said Rep. Stansbury. “I’m excited that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has unlocked over $11 million to fund this key project that will celebrate the rich culture and history of downtown Albuquerque while supporting equitable public transit, employment opportunities, and creative new spaces for our families. I’m thrilled that this investment will help make the vision of Mayor Keller and the City of Albuquerque a reality.”
“Coupled with the $10 million investment the state announced last month, the funding provided by the Department of Transportation today will go a long way toward making this project a reality," said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The Rail Trail will continue to revitalize Albuquerque’s downtown and build new and safer recreation options for residents and visitors.”
“Together, we are creating a landmark for the City of Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This is a major investment in our city and I am grateful to Under Secretary Monje, Secretary Buttigieg and President Biden for their partnership on this project to bring new vitality to our downtown core. Not only will this pedestrian parkway be a defining project for the City, but an amenity that will help attract and retain a modern workforce and young families. The Rail Trail will be a destination, a mode of transportation, and a celebration of our history and culture.”
The RAISE grant will add to the $15 million in city funding that Mayor Keller secured for the project and the $10 million in state investments allocated by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, bringing the new total to $36.5 million.