Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez, all New Mexico Democrats, are welcoming a combined $4.57 million for two railroad projects in the state.
According to a news release from Heinrich’s office, $570,920 will help the city of Clovis enhance safety and reduce traffic delays at two railway crossings.
The grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program.
The program provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this federal funding will deliver much-needed railway safety enhancements in Clovis,” Lujan said.
Leger Fernández said, “I am happy that this funding also includes improvements to safety and efficiency of freight in Clovis.”
The grant for the city of Clovis will enhance safety and reduce traffic delays at two railway crossings including modifications to the Norris Street railroad crossing and construction of a new grade-separated crossing at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Clovis City Manager Justin Howalt said the total project cost is $1.21 million for both Norris and MLK crossings.
“We requested the $570,920, the city of Clovis is contributing $90,000 and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad has committed $550,000,” Howalt said.
Howalt noted the funding will be used for environmental review and preliminary engineering for at-grade improvements at Norris Street and consideration of an overpass at MLK.
In addition, a $4 million San Juan/McKinley counties project involves creating a rail line between Farmington and Gallup.
