N.M. Delegation Announces Almost $9 Million In Infrastructure Law Funding To Improve Roadway, Transportation Safety In New Mexico, Indian Country

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) announced $8,894,212 to strengthen public safety on roadways across New Mexico and in Tribal communities.

“We rely on our road systems for access to employment, education, and emergency services every single day. I’m proud to announce these investments we secured in the Infrastructure Law so that we can identify areas where safety improvements can be made and strengthen roadway infrastructure for Tribes and New Mexicans across the state,” said Heinrich.

"New Mexico roads are a vital resource for Tribal and rural communities, transporting children to and from school or traveling to work,” said Luján. “I’m pleased this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver nearly $9 million to help improve our roadways and transportation safety for our cities and Tribes, which will safeguard vital infrastructure for communities across New Mexico.”

“I’m excited to see federal dollars go directly to our communities and fund safety improvements for our roads,” said Leger Fernández. “We passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in our gente and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. Safe roads lead to strong communities.”

“Our roads connect communities across our state, making it possible for our families to travel to access essential services, good-paying jobs, and receive a quality education,” said Stansbury. “Yet, many of our roads and bridges—especially in rural and Tribal communities—are desperately in need of repair. I’m proud that the historic investments we secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help to make our roads safer for Tribal communities and New Mexicans across our state.”

“I am proud to bring back nearly $9 million dollars to the planning to improve public safety, including those for Tribal roads and improve the quality of life on Tribal land in New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “Improving our infrastructure creates a strong economy and ensures communities can access their basic needs. For too long, our Tribal communities have been left behind, which is why this funding announcement is so important.”

DOT has awarded a total of $7,519,200 in funding from the Infrastructure Law for initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

• $6,300,000 to Bernalillo County to implement safety improvements. $520,000 to the City of Roswell to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.
• $400,000 to Doña Ana County to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.
• $163,200 to the City of Truth or Consequences to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.
• $136,000 to Mid-Region Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.

This funding was awarded through U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, which was established by the Infrastructure Law with $5 billion in appropriated funds. SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways.

DOT has awarded a total of $1,376,012 in funding from the Infrastructure Law to address transportation safety issues identified by Tribes in New Mexico.

• $754,250 to the Ramah Navajo Project to install guardrails and crash attenuators.
• $447,508 to the Pueblo of Acoma to safely re-design the east side of SP 30 Pueblo Road.
• $44,254 to the Pueblo of Zuni to conduct a road way safety audit.
• $100,000 to the Pueblo of Jemez to conduct a road safety audit.
• $10,000 to the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation to update the Tribe's existing transportation safety plan.
• $10,000 to the Pueblo of Acoma to update their existing transportation safety plan.
• $10,000 to the Pueblo of Jemez to update their existing transportation safety plan.

This funding was awarded through U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF), which was established by the Infrastructure Law. TTPSF supports projects that will reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation related incidents.