US Department of Transportation awards $45 million for southwest NM road project as part of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) received notice from the US Department of Transportation, the state will receive $45 million from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. A total of nearly $8 billion is available through the INFRA program over the next five years. The first round of funding totals $1.5 billion.  

The selected project will provide a direct route to El Paso and I-10 in southwest New Mexico. The 6-mile roadway will connect the Santa Teresa Port of Entry to NM 273 in Sunland Park. The NMDOT will own and maintain the new connection. 

“This critical project is a perfect example of how infrastructure can truly boost New Mexico’s economy,” said State Transportation Secretary Designate Ricky Serna. “Six miles may not seem like a significant stretch of roadway but providing an alternative route for freight not only increases the amount of freight passing through New Mexico, it also increases safety by alleviating congestion.” 

Recent state and federal investments have bolstered commercial trade expansion through Santa Teresa. The bustling port of entry on the US-Mexico border is a critical alternative to El Paso ports of entry.  In FY22, Congress appropriated $500,000 towards a feasibility study for improvements at the port which will provide a passage for larger, heavier freight.  

The project is in the early study and planning stages. Public comment should take place by the end of the calendar year.