Rep. Lujan Grisham Statement on $75 million in federal funds for ART project

Rep. Lujan Grisham Statement on $75 million in federal funds for ART project

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Today, Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) released the following statement in reaction to the announcement that the Federal Transit Administration would award $75 million in increments through the Small Starts Program for the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) project. Previous federal budget uncertainty and initial application and design issues left funding in limbo for almost a year after funding was initially portrayed as a certainty in 2017.

“I am proud to have worked so closely with Mayor Keller and his office to ensure that the ART project did not become a costly liability for Albuquerque taxpayers. This federal reimbursement is a testament to the work and strong partnership of all the stakeholders involved and ensures that the city has the flexibility to invest in other infrastructure programs that improve our transportation system and create jobs. Despite the numerous and serious issues associated with this project, we were able to work together with community members and the congressional delegation to find a solution for the people we represent. Moving forward we must continue to work collaboratively to leverage every opportunity and federal investment to improve the quality of life for Albuquerque residents and promote economic development. I thank Mayor Keller for his commitment to not only securing this critical transit system funding and for his focus on making ART a meaningful project that works for the city, especially since his administration inherited numerous complicated challenges.”

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller’s statement can be found here.

Currently, bus drivers are undergoing a 12 to 14-week training to learn how to use the ART corridor and the bus platforms. While buses are on the training routes, the City is working on the timing of the lights and driver education, so traffic patterns are as safe and efficient as possible. The Albuquerque Transit Department will also release a public education campaign to help Albuquerque drivers and pedestrians stay safe and ensure they are equipped with the information needed to use the new traffic lanes and transportation platforms.

The City has worked with BYD, the bus manufacturer, to address the battery life issues with the specialized buses previously purchased for the route, and has secured a commitment from the company to install charging stations at each end of the ART route.  If BYD, the bus manufacturer, honors their latest commitments, initial services are expected this winter.

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