Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today said Union Pacific's decision to move ahead with plans to develop a "hub" at Santa Teresa will provide a major boost for New Mexico's economy.

In 2005, Bingaman secured $14 million to aid in the construction of much-needed roads leading to the planned state-of-the-art rail facility, which has been on hold for the past few years.  That funding remains available for the project.

Bingaman also worked with the Bureau of Land Management to expedite a land exchange with the New Mexico State Land Office in order to provide the land needed for the facilities.

Today's announcement that Union Pacific is planning to move ahead with the $400 million facility -- which has been likened to an inland port -- means the region will see thousands of new construction jobs.

"This inland port will give New Mexico a stake in one of the most important rail corridors in the country.  In the near term, it will create as many as 3,000 construction jobs, and in the long term it will enhance New Mexico's standing as a great place for commerce," Bingaman said.

The project, located west of the Santa Teresa Airport, will incorporate a new fueling facility, crew-change buildings, switch yard, and intermodal (truck/train) ramp.  It will house crew change buildings, a switch yard and an intermodal ramp.