Governor Bill Richardson Announces Additional Road Projects to be Funded through Recovery Act Savings

Press Release

Governor Bill Richardson announced today that 12 new road projects will be
funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act because several other projects cost less than expected. The savings will also supplement six projects that needed additional funding to be completed.

"The Recovery Act has given a boost to our state's infrastructure, including roads and highways," Governor Richardson said. "The Department of Transportation should be commended for managing these projects well and using these funds wisely."

"The Department has been working diligently to ensure that every cent of Recovery dollars is spent here in New Mexico," said Transportation Secretary Gary L.J. Girón. "It is always good news when a project comes in under the original estimate and we are happy to be able to conduct additional work along New Mexico's roadways."

The New Mexico Department of Transportation received $252.6 million through the Recovery Act. Since February 2010, 90 highway and local road projects have gone out to bid, several of which came in under the original engineer's estimate, resulting in a cost-savings of $12.53 million.

The Department will use the savings to fund nine pavement preservation projects along state and U.S. highways and three new local projects in Artesia, Albuquerque and Bernalillo.

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