albuquerque may see wide range of new infrastructure projects

The City of Albuquerque could well be in line for a sweeping number of recreational and tourist-related infrastructure construction and upgrading projects.

Mayor Tim Keller wants to see funded everything from upgrades to city parks and athletic fields, to improvements to the city’s Convention Center, and the preservation of landing space at the site of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The Mayor’s just-released infrastructure package has a price tag of $28 million and would have to be approved by the Albuquerque City Council.

Funding for the projects would come through bonds from Albuquerque’s Lodger’s Tax. That tax adds 6 percent to the cost of every hotel room in the city, revenues of which by law can only be used to fund projects related to tourism.

Specific items in Keller’s proposal includes the expansion of the Westside Baseball Sports Facility, a project that would cost $3.5 million; and the $3 million construction of a new multi-use soccer facility.

The Albuquerque Convention Center would get some $3 million in infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of outdoor message boards.  A new multi-use walking and biking trail connecting downtown Albuquerque with the Innovation District would cost around $2 million to build.

The Mayor is also proposing a $1 million upgrade to the Isotopes Park, and $2.5 million to entirely replace an existing indoor track that is nearly two decades old.
It is possible that the proposal may be taken up by the council on September 16. If passed, work on many of the projects could start as early as next year.

By Garry Boulard

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