U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $4.96 Million for New Mexico

WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, joined by U.S. Congresswoman Heather Wilson of New Mexico, today announced that New Mexico will receive $4.96 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding for the Isleta Boulevard reconstruction project in Albuquerque. This funding will be made available through the transportation and community and system preservation (TCSP) pilot program.

"President Bush in his State of the Union address called on Americans to get the economy growing again," U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said. "This reconstruction project will help preserve local businesses and keep them a viable part of the community."

The grant will allow the Isleta Boulevard project to move forward and will preserve the local flavor of the community and incorporate a context sensitive design that preserves the community character of the traditionally Hispanic area. It will also improve pedestrian, bicycle and transit accommodations.

TCSP funds are used to help achieve locally determined goals such as improving transportation efficiency; reducing the potential negative effects of transportation on the environment; providing better access to jobs, services and trade centers; reducing the need for costly future infrastructure; and revitalizing underdeveloped and brownfield sites. Grants also can be used to examine urban development patterns and create strategies that encourage private companies to work toward these goals in designing new developments.