infrastructure

A nonprofit research firm says New Mexico doesn’t have enough funding in place to properly maintain and improve the state’s transportation system. What’s more, declining and deficient infrastructure is costing New Mexicans billions of dollars.

There seems to be never-ending road construction around our state. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss road construction, from funding to planning, and how we can best deal with the associated traffic.

In a sweeping new policy report presented to the Legislative Finance Committee Thursday, analysts say “piecemeal” funding and various local water system shortfalls need to be addressed to keep New Mexico’s aging water infrastructure healthy.

After a few weeks of traveling across the state, the New Mexico Higher Education Department heard from colleges and universities that maintaining facilities has been a challenge. The department will use a windfall of funding to ensure existing buildings receive upgrades.

Albuquerque voters have a number of bonds on their ballot this year to fund city infrastructure. Over $88 million dollars across three general obligation bonds would go toward improving city roads, buildings, animal shelters, storm sewer systems, and energy conservation if passed.

The Department of the Interior announced on Thursday that it will invest nearly $40 million to help Native American tribes clean up and plug orphaned oil and gas wells across Indian Country to help reduce harmful pollutants.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited New Mexico on Monday, where he announced that the department will be investing $40 million to provide high-speed internet access in rural areas of New Mexico. This has the potential to connect many communities for the first time.

The 2023 legislative session is in full swing; with representatives and senators settling in and discussing bills. KUNM spoke with Gwyneth Doland, a political correspondent for New Mexico PBS, who was in Santa Fe this week talking to lawmakers about their priorities for this 60-day session and how it feels to be back in person.

The White House and U.S. Treasury have announced yet another round of funding to expand internet access in New Mexico and Colorado’s tribal and rural communities.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Wednesday cut a $10 million check to help fund Albuquerque’s Rail Trail project, which has been years in the making. Mayor Tim Keller said the state’s contribution means the project is now “a done deal,” though there are funds left to secure.