new mexico governor oks variety of budget projects

Road, street and bridge projects throughout New Mexico have secured funding as part of a larger $6.3 billion fiscal year 2019 budget just approved by Governor Susana Martinez.

In signing the state budget into law, Martinez said “Overall, I’m pleased that this budget invests in key priorities like public safety and education.”

The Governor also noted that upon her inauguration in 2011, New Mexico had a budget deficit of more than $450 million, but that as she leaves office next year, she will be “handing to the next governor our eighth consecutive balanced budget and strong cash reserves of more than $600 million.”

Among the capital outlay priorities as passed in House Bill 306, Martinez approved $1.8 million for the rights of way, design, and building of Paseo del Volcan, otherwise known as New Mexico State Road 347.

$2.5 million was approved for the planning, design and construction of a replacement bridge over the San Juan River on County Road 5500; along with $1.1 million for the planning, design, and construction of several runways at the Dona Ana County Jetport in Santa Teresa.

Curry County will see $713,000 in state support for the planning, design, and construction of County Roads 4, 14, 20 and E; with $450,000 allocated for improvements to busy Camelot Boulevard in Los Lunas.

Smaller funded projects include intersection improvements to Hobson Road in Chaves County, which secured $205,000 in state money; and $170,000 for improvements along historic Fourth Street SW in the Albuquerque neighborhood of Barelas,

The New Mexico 2019 fiscal year budget takes effect starting in July.

By Garry Boulard

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