SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation Commission has approved nearly $50 million in Local Government Transportation Funds to improve city, county and tribal roads across the state. Forty-eight local entities and 7 tribal entities throughout the state will see the projects begin in the spring.

Covering communities in every part of the state, the transportation infrastructure projects also include $5 million for safety improvements to U.S. 285 in the southeastern part of the state, a key roadway scheduled for a complete state Department of Transportation overhaul beginning in the spring. Construction on this highway is a top priority for the department.

A complete list of projects is attached to this news release.

“Infrastructure is an essential component of local economic development,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “For far too many years, New Mexico communities have been burdened by the deteriorating conditions of our public infrastructure. It will take time and focus to get where we need to be, but we have begun the process and will see it through expeditiously.”

Cabinet Secretary Mike Sandoval, “There’s a need for safety and improvements on roads across New Mexico, not just the ones that belong to the state. Everyone deserves to get to their destination as safely and efficiently as possible; be it on state, county, city or tribal roads. I’m so pleased the State Transportation Commission approved the funding to get the much needed money out to rural communities.”

“The Commission is committed to building strong relations with local and tribal governments and helping them improve their transportation infrastructure,” said Transportation Commission Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Walter Adams. 

“I want to commend my fellow commissioners for working together toward providing a better and safer transportation systems for all our citizens,” said District 2 Transportation Commissioner Bruce Ellis. “Thanks to their efforts, District 2 will see an estimated $10 million go into area roadways.”

District 3 Commissioner Keith Mortensen said, “The State funds recently allocated to District 3 have been put to use throughout the district as we have partnered with local communities to meet their road construction needs.”

The Local Government Transportation Fund was established to help local governments with transportation infrastructure projects across New Mexico. As a condition of receiving these funds, local governments are required to match 5 percent of the state money. If the local government is not able to meet the match requirement, there is opportunity for the entity to apply for a hardship waiver.