By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — From construction materials to industrial supplies, businesses could have an easier way to move goods in and out of the Duke City after the city was selected for a multimillion-dollar federal grant to upgrade six miles of the Sunport Rail Spur.
The city was selected to receive up to $18.5 million through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program. To improve more than 2,000 miles of track nationwide, the program awarded more than $2.3 billion to 105 rail projects across 45 states and Washington, D.C. Albuquerque’s project will rehabilitate about six miles of track, add a rail siding, build a retaining wall to prevent erosion and install railcar monitoring technology, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. The city will cover 20% of the project’s cost. The upgrades will connect nearby industrial properties to freight rail, giving businesses another way to move construction materials and industrial supplies while supporting future development near the Sunport, including in Mesa del Sol, according to a city press release.
“Investing in New Mexico’s commercial infrastructure helps grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for New Mexico families,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich said. He said the $18.5 million grant will restore track at the Sunport, improve safety and freight service and create new opportunities to move goods. Mayor Tim Keller said the investment will help connect the city’s existing transportation infrastructure. “Albuquerque already has the airport, the rail line, the interstate connections, and the land. This investment helps us put those assets to work together,” Keller said.
New Mexico Transloading, the rail spur’s first client, has invested about $1.4 million to rehabilitate the northern portion of the line. The spur branches off the main rail line near Broadway Boulevard and runs south toward Rio Bravo Boulevard, looping around Interstate 25 along the southern edge of Sunport property.
The city has not yet announced a project timeline or construction start date. Before work begins, it must complete project development and final design.