City of Albuquerque Wins $1.2 Million for Rail Yards
December 4, 2019
Today Mayor Tim Keller joined Assistant U.S. Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Dr. John Fleming and other federal and local leaders at a grant ceremony for $1.2 million in grant funding to redevelop the historic Rail Yards.
Funding will improve the streetscape to connect the Rail Yards to Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods and make utility improvements to help create jobs: adding fiber to the site which will provide any future tenants of the Rail Yards with state-of-the-art connectivity.
“The Rail Yard redevelopment is a team sport: success is going to require private and public sector investment on every level. The Rail Yard continues to pick up momentum, and this funding will accelerate our infrastructure improvements to create jobs,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This $1.2 million, along with matching funds from the State, will help us make the Rail Yards a vibrant mixed-used destination that celebrates our culture, history, and community. We appreciate the Mid-Region Council of Governments for their role in garnering this funding.”
“All our communities deserve amenities and smart development that embraces the culture of their neighborhood and has the support of the community, but over time the Railyards fell into disrepair. I’m proud that Mayor Keller has made the Railyards area a priority for placemaking. It’s why I’ve been working to increase funding for EDA programs so that Albuquerque and other communities can revitalize their economies,” Congresswoman Deb Haaland.
Revitalizing the Rail Yards into a vibrant mixed-use destination is part of Mayor Keller’s economic development plan. Over the last 11 months, City departments and contractors have been transforming the site in preparation for development. So far in 2019 projects have included:
- Removal of 1,341 tons of contaminated soil replaced with clean soil.
- Demolition of non-historical structures – North Wash Room and Sheet Metal Shop.
- Announced CNM Film Center of Excellence to occupy one of the buildings. This program was awarded $300,000 in funding from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and matched by the State of NM
- Construction completion of 200 space paved parking lot.
- Construction completion of new outdoor plaza.
- Passage of $5.5 million in General Obligation (G.O.) Bonds.
Next steps include:
- Continued site clean-up including; remediation and removal of Flue Shop Addition, South End environmental remediation.
- Plaza Construction Phase 2: additional lighting, shade, art, and signage.
- Utilities design and extension.
- New RFP to develop buildings on the North End.