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ask.heather@mail.house.gov
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In Washington DC
442 Cannon House
Office Building
Washington, DC
20515
202-225-6316 Phone
202-225-4975 Fax |
In Albuquerque
20 First Plaza NW
Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM
87102
505-346-6781 Phone
505-346-6723 Fax |  |
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Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico
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| Wilson Welcomes Next Step in Isleta Make-Over |
August 26, 2005 |
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| Residents and Business Leaders Celebrate Isleta Improvements
Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson joined with South Valley residents, business owners, and county officials today to break ground on the second phase of a project to widen Isleta Boulevard and add curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, and other improvements. Federal funds—$6.5 million—were allocated by Senator Pete Domenici and Wilson to supplement local funds to improve the road’s safety for drivers and pedestrians, alleviate drainage problems, and improve access to local businesses.
Wilson and Domenici secured $1.5 million in 2003 and $5 million in 2002 for the second phase of the Isleta Blvd. Improvement Project.
Federal, state, and local funding are being used to add a center left turn lane, sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, bike lanes, and a drainage system along Isleta. Intersections will also be widened and, in some segments, additional lanes will be added to increase roadway capacity. Phase I construction began last year on Isleta from Bridge to Arenal. Phase II, once started, will address needs along Isleta south of Arenal to Rio Bravo Blvd.
“Many of Bernalillo County’s roads, especially in the South Valley, need improving,” said Wilson, whose district includes Albuquerque’s South Valley. “Numerous local businesses and residences are located along Isleta, which many consider the spine of Albuquerque’s South Valley. We heard from county representatives, from public safety officials, from business leaders, and from people in the community that this project is a priority for public safety and for economic development, so I’m glad this project is continuing.”
“Congresswoman Wilson and I understand how important this project is to the South Valley, which is why we’ve worked together to get Phase 2 underway. The Isleta Boulevard improvements will be beneficial because it will enhance driver and pedestrian safety and help area businesses. It is a good investment from the federal government,” said Domenici, who serves on the Senate Subcommittee that provides funding for the Department of Transportation.
Business leaders in the area lauded the planned improvements this morning and say business could improve with additional pedestrian access and a safer roadway. The owner of at least one South Valley restaurant looks forward to selling more combination plates once road work is complete. Others cite safety and good planning.
“When the road is finished my customers will have an easier time of turning into my restaurant and leaving it,” says Comalero Restaurant owner Lydia Fuentes. “There’s no way of knowing how many customers I lost because it was difficult to get into and out of my restaurant. Heather Wilson and Pete Domenici understand this, and we appreciate her action at the federal level to support this project. She’s visited this area several times and listened when we told her about the problems up and down Isleta Boulevard.”
“The driveways and sidewalks in front of businesses are good for all of us,” says Hector Gonzales, owner of Ever Ready Plumbing. “It will keep pedestrians safe and will give us easier access into our businesses. I’m personally grateful for Rep. Heather Wilson’s and Senator Pete Domenici’s efforts to support this project for the South Valley. I’ve worked with her on several issues, and she has shown a willingness to listen and the ability to deliver.”
“I was going to lose my parking spaces and that would have ruined my business. I was able to work with the County and Heather Wilson’s office and I appreciate their help for my shop,” says Larry Luna, who owns a Barbershop along Isleta. “I know we can always count on Rep. Wilson to listen to our concerns and take action. This road will be built with a combination of local and federal funds, and we appreciate Heather’s involvement in the partnership to make this happen.”
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