ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -During a roundtable discussion with the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce this week, U.S. Senator Tom Udall highlighted the infrastructure needs of Santa Teresa to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, and invited Secretary Foxx to visit the Santa Teresa area to observe the need for long-term infrastructure investments.
Recent expansions in the Santa Teresa area have significantly boosted economic development in Southern New Mexico by attracting new businesses to the area, creating jobs and expanding trade with Mexico. However, the increased traffic through the area resulting from the expanded commerce has accentuated the need for investments in the area's roads, and Udall continues working to secure resources for infrastructure improvements in Santa Teresa and the surrounding community.
"In Santa Teresa, along the border, we have an incredible opportunity and incredible growth. Union Pacific railroad has opened up a new operation, and I hope that you can visit in the future because the infrastructure needs are incredible," Udall said to Foxx. "We have three roads down there - Airport Road, Industrial Drive and Twin Cities Road - that are all coming together, and we are going to be working with you to try to get some resources dedicated to the area."
Udall provided Foxx with a list of priorities prepared by the Border Industrial Association detailing the reconstruction needs of Airport Road, Industrial Drive and Twin Cities Road to support Santa Teresa's continuing economic growth.
In recent years, the Santa Teresa area has experienced immense growth due to expanded business and trade opportunities. A $10 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Udall strongly supported, helped fund upgrades and expansion needs at the Santa Teresa port. In May, Union Pacific opened a new $400 million rail facility which has significantly strengthened trade with Mexico.
Udall has been a strong supporter of smart long-term investments in transportation infrastructure for Santa Teresa. He supported Santa Teresa's application for a highly competitive Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant through the Department of Transportation, and continues to help local stakeholders improve their application for the next round of TIGER grants. NMDOT was awarded $400,000 to develop a strategic plan to improve transportation infrastructure in the last round of TIGER grants. Udall has pushed for 24-hour service at the port for both commercial and private vehicles to help alleviate congestion through the area.
