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| Wilson Highlights West Side Improvements |
March 28, 2005 |
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House-Passed Highway Bill Has $17 Million to Complete Coors/I-40 Project
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today highlighted key federal funding to complete work that improves traffic flow for Coors/I-40, New Mexico’s second most-traveled intersection.
The highway bill, passed March 10 by the U.S. House of Representatives, contains $17 million to finish the project. The money is slated to fund renovations at the Coors and Quail intersection to improve traffic flow, including a grade separation.
The legislation now awaits action in the U.S. Senate.
The west side funding is the largest New Mexico project in the $284 billion six-year highway bill. The legislation includes $30 million requested by Wilson for five key transportation improvements in New Mexico. The Transportation Equity Act (H.R. 3), which reauthorizes federal highway spending through fiscal year 2010, passed overwhelmingly by a 417-9 vote.
“Completing the Coors/I-40 project paves the way for the west side’s continued development,” Wilson said. “This is an important bill for New Mexico. It recognizes the importance of improving our highway infrastructure for our state’s growth.”
The bill reauthorizes about $1.7 billion in New Mexico’s federal highway funding for the next six years. Additionally, the bill specifically includes one-time funding for five New Mexico projects requested by Wilson: $17 million for Coors/I-40, $6 million for the Mesa del Sol interchange, $3 million for I-25/Tramway, $2 million for Paseo del Volcan and $2 million for the statewide ITS project.
Wilson requests in the Highway Bill:
Coors/I-40, $17 million. Completes the project’s priorities, including the grade separation at the Coors and Quail intersection, and fulfills the state’s request for federal funding for the state’s second most-traveled interchange.
Mesa del Sol, $6 million. Funds renovations from I-25 to University Boulevard.
Tramway/I-25, $3 million. Funds support widening the Interstate, adding lanes and boosting capacity for one of the major links in the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
Paseo del Volcan, $2 million. Funds will support renovations to the interchange roadway replacement on Paseo del Volcan leading to the Double Eagle II airport.
Statewide ITS, $2 million. Fund the Intelligent Transportation System which helps provide commuter information and prevent traffic problems.
Belen to Bernalillo Commuter Rail system, new start language. Authorizes future funding for the project, building a groundwork for the federal support that will be necessary.
Total: $30 Million
Language promoting New Mexico’s commuter rail effort is also included in the legislation. With an eye toward the project’s future, the bill authorizes future funding for the New Mexico rail development project. Planners envision commuter rail service linking Belen to Santa Fe and including downtown Albuquerque and the Sunport.
“New Mexico will need to draw on federal resources for a project of this size, and this will open that opportunity,” Wilson said. “Federal funding can be a lengthy process and there are many competing priorities in Washington, so this is an important starting point.”
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