The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) presented a $487 million nonrecurring request for fiscal year 2027 to the Legislative Finance Committee on Dec. 10.
“This request is about maintaining our commitment to New Mexico communities,” NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna said. “Every dollar invested in our roads, bridges and rural airports supports economic growth, improves safety and connects families to jobs, schools and essential services.”
The nonrecurring request includes $10 million for traffic safety improvements, $10 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, $10 million for heavy equipment and vehicle fleet replacement, $12 million for roadway beautification, $25 million for rural air service and $420 million for construction, maintenance and federal matching funds.
Currently, New Mexico has $5.6 billion in unfunded transportation needs and deteriorating roads cost drivers $3.6 billion annually.
For fiscal year 2027, the department’s proposed operating budget is $1.3 billion, a $29.9 million drop from the current fiscal year. In addition, between now and 2050 construction costs are expected to increase 136 percent while State Road Fund revenue is projected to decrease 13 percent without legislative action.
In 2023, the percentage of state roads rated in acceptable condition was 69 percent.
Legislation about to be re-introduced would provide the Transportation Commission with bonding authority of up to $1.5 billion.