$6.72 million to help construct new Albuquerque ABQ RIDE/Rail Runner Station
Written by jrood
February 14, 2001 (Editor's note: This story updates a story posted on this Website July 13.) Mayor Richard J. Berry said that the City of Albuquerque has been awarded $6.72 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build the Montaño Intermodal Center. The center will provide a new connection between ABQ Ride buses and the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train near the intersection of Montaño and 2nd St.
"This is a huge win
for Albuquerque," said Mayor Berry. "We are paving the way for 21st
century transportation needs with this project. Every time we add to our public
transportation infrastructure, hundreds of thousands of people benefit every
single year."
Through a grant application
submitted jointly by the City of Albuquerque Transit Department and the Rio
Metro District, $6,722,800 was requested for land acquisition, environmental
and engineering services, and related costs. Through the legislative efforts of
City Councilor Debbie O’Malley, the City of Albuquerque was able to match
$1,927,120.
"The award of this
grant is notable not just due to the vital project it will bring to the city,
but because of the purpose of the granting", said Dewey Cave, Interim
Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. "Grants
requests from across the nation were evaluated on their ability to not just
provide transportation, but also by how they would promote affordable housing,
support economic competitiveness, and support existing communities and neighborhoods."
"This new station will
help relieve commuter traffic on Montaño bridge," Councilor O’Malley said.
"This will improve the area and quality of life for North Valley and
Westside residents."
The facility will encompass
about 4 acres with a bus island and priority bus drop off area adjacent to a
Rail Runner platform. Riders coming off of the train can expect eight ABQ Ride
buses and other shuttles to take them to various locations around the metro
area.
"This funding is an
important investment in Albuquerque’s public transit system," U.S Senator
Jeff Bingaman said. "The new Rail Runner station will help increase bus
and rail access to city residents."
Through the efforts of key
legislators, State funds will assist in property acquisition.
