Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today reported that a key spending bill that contains millions of dollars in funding he requested for Southern New Mexico transportation projects is now ready to be considered by the full Senate.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the fiscal year 2009 spending bill that funds the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The bill contains $2 million Bingaman secured for the widening and reconstruction of I-10 from Las Cruces to the New Mexico/Texas state line.  The project will increase this section of the interstate from a 4-lane to a 6-lane facility. This section of I-10 was constructed in the early 1970s and is very much in need of reconstruction and added capacity.   Bingaman secured $7 million in 2005 to help jumpstart the project.

 “Improvements to this stretch of I-10 will have a positive impact on the economy of southern New Mexico,” Bingaman said.  “I’m glad the Senate is working to set aside additional funding for this important project.”

Bingaman was also successful in securing $1 million for the Village of Columbus’s Municipal Court and Community Center.  Funding will be used to renovate the former Columbus Elementary school building to house the Municipal Court and offices, Senior Hot Meals Program, and administrative offices including the Clerk, Treasurer, Mayor, Public Works Director, Animal Control, and Police Department. 

Additionally, the bill contains $500,000 Bingaman secured for the Volunteer Center of Grant County Food Bank, which is in Silver City.  Funding will be used to rehabilitation and construction of a facility to serve as a food pantry and thrift store to serve the needs of Grant County.

The bill also includes funding Bingaman secured for following Las Cruces projects:

• $1 million for Las Cruces Transit Maintenance and Operations Facility: Funding will help the city improve transit maintenance program.
• $500,000 for the City of Las Cruces' Main Street revitalization project.  Funding will help with phase II of the downtown project, which includes construction of a new roadway, sidewalks and streetscape enhancements such as planters and decorative lighting.  Bingaman secured $1.1 million for the project in FY 2008.