Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing over $5 million for New Mexico transportation projects.

The following two communities will benefit from Bingaman-secured funding to help improve their transit programs:

$3.14 million – ABQ Ride: Funding will use the funding to purchase 36 vanes and for work associated with the renovation of fueling stations and transit maintenance facilities.  Bingaman helped secure the funding in a FY 2009 spending bill.

$984,900 - Grant County: Funding will be used to construct a transit intermodal bus facility and to purchase four mini-buses for the county.  Bingaman helped secure the funding in a FY 2008 spending bill.

"This funding is an investment in safe and reliable transit services, which thousands of New Mexicans rely upon every day," Bingaman said.

The Federal Aviation Administration has also released funding for upgrade projects at three New Mexico Airports.  They include:

$511,000 - Four Corners Regional: Funding will be used to acquire snow removal equipment, a sweeper and to upgrade the current runway lighting system, which has reached the end of its useful life and requires rehabilitation to enhance safe.

$450,000 - Santa Fe Municipal Airport: Funding will be used to rehabilitate Taxiways A, C, and D.

$85,290 - Sierra Blanca Regional: Funding will be used to install airfield guidance signs at the airport.

"Airports play a vital role in a region's economic development and it's important that we ensure they are well maintained.  This funding is an investment in these communities and in the safety of the passengers," Bingaman said.