The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) a $45 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant.
Funding will be used for a project in southwest New Mexico that will provide a 6-mile direct route to El Paso and I-10. In addition, the roadway will connect the Santa Teresa Port of Entry to NM 273 in Sunland Park.
“This critical project is a perfect example of how infrastructure can truly boost New Mexico’s economy,” State Transportation Secretary Designate Ricky Serna said. “Six miles may not seem like a significant stretch of roadway but providing an alternative route for freight not only increases the amount of freight passing through New Mexico, it also increases safety by alleviating congestion.”
NMDOT will own and maintain the roadway. The project is in the study and planning stages.
The Santa Teresa Port of Entry is an alternative to the El Paso ports of entry.
Congress appropriated $500,000 toward a feasibility study for improvements at the port, allowing for larger, heavier freight passage.
Over the next five years, nearly $8 billion is available nationally through the INFRA program. A total of $1.5 billion is available during the first round.