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 local transportation projects has cleared another hurdle.                  

The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the fiscal year 2009 spending bill that funds the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The bill, which can now be considered by the full Senate, contains $1 million for an access road in Sandoval County.  Funding will be used to help construct a two-lane gravel Northwest loop access road that will bypass the metropolitan Albuquerque area by creating an alternate route from I-40 to I-25 via 550 to the North.  Bingaman secured $955,000 for this project in FY 2008. 

"This new access road will help alleviate traffic congestion in one of the busiest parts of Albuquerque," Bingaman said.  

Once the gravel road is constructed, private entities have committed to funding the pavement of a permanent road.  Ultimately this 15 mile paved road will provide tremendous relief for traffic congestion at the intersection of I-40 and I-25.  There is a timing issue, as the rights of way for the road are due to expire in 2007.

The bill also contains $1 Million Bingaman secured for design and construction of an Intermodal Transportation Center in Los Lunas.  Funding will be used to complete work on a 36,000 square foot intermodal transportation center to serve the new Rail Runner commuter rail service between Santa Fe and Belen.   

Additionally, Bingaman secured $150,000 in the bill to rehabilitate the Amtrak Station in Albuquerque.  The 100-year old building is part of the Alvarado downtown transit center, which serves city buses, intercity coaches, and commuter rail.  The historic building has deteriorated and doesn't present a welcoming face to visitors to central New Mexico. Bingaman secured $500,000 for this project in FY 2008.