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| Wilson & DOT Announce Down Payment on Highway Work |
April 15, 2004 |
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Dollars for Road Projects Being Put to Work in New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico – A down payment of promised funding for three key road projects in New Mexico is on the way, Congresswoman Heather Wilson and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced today from the I-25/Tramway interchange. The intersection is slated for significant improvements and will receive $1.5 million toward the reconstruction. More than half of that money was released by the federal government today, along with funding for other high-priority infrastructure projects in and around Albuquerque. The balance of the funding will be released once the six-year highway authorization bill is signed into law.
“These are dollars that can be put to use right away,” Wilson said. “Albuquerque commuters will welcome these upgrades.”
Federal funding appropriated in fiscal year 2004 for New Mexico is now being transferred, allowing more progress on three important projects: Isleta Boulevard, Coors/I-40 and Tramway/I-25.
The Federal Highway Administration is set to release more than half of the Interstate Maintenance Funds that are slated for these three projects, Wilson and Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters announced today.
“Improving our transportation infrastructure is an investment in the future of New Mexico. President Bush understands that better roads keep the American economy moving,” said Peters.
Last year, Congress appropriated the following amounts for each of these projects, more than half of which is now available:
I-25/Tramway Interchange
Amount Released Today: $869,838.00
Total Amount Heather Wilson Secured: $1,491,150.00
This project includes the reconstruction of I-25 from the Tramway Interchange to the NM 550 Interchange in Bernalillo, including the widening to three lanes in both the NB and SB directions. The proposed project will serve to decrease congestion, improve air quality, enhance the economic viability of this region.
Coors/Interstate 40 Interchange Reconstruction
Amount Released Today: $579,892.00
Total Amount Heather Wilson Secured: $994,100.00
This project includes the complete reconstruction of I-40 mainline and ramps, Coors Boulevard reconstruction including bridges over the I-40 mainline and a grade-separation at Ouray, and several new ramps. The proposed project will serve to decrease congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the economic viability of this region.
Isleta Boulevard Improvement Project
Amount Released Today: $289,946.00
Total Amount Heather Wilson Secured: $497,050.00
The Isleta Boulevard Improvement Project is reconstructing Isleta between Arenal and Rio Bravo Boulevard. Left turn lanes, sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, bike lanes, and drainage are all being added to this key South Valley arterial.
“Job creation is linked to good roads,” Wilson said. “The growth of small businesses that create eight of every 10 new jobs depends on a good transportation network.” |
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