City Awarded $43.2 Million for Transit and Housing
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, ABQ RIDE was joined by New Mexico Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landreiu, and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller to announce the department’s award of $25 million through the RAISE Grant to fund the Uptown Connect: The Uptown Transit Center Joint Development. In addition, ABQ RIDE also received $18.2 million through the Low or No (Low-No) Emission Vehicle Program to purchase 20 electric buses and charging equipment. These awards, totaling over $43.2 million, were funded by the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“It was an honor to join White House Senior Advisor Mitch Landieu, Senator Heinrich, and Mayor Keller to highlight $25 million for public transit in Albuquerque,” said Senator Ben Ray Lujan. “These funds will help improve public safety and ensure that our roads are safe for all New Mexicans.”
RAISE Grant funding for The Uptown Transit Center Joint Development will allow the City to rebuild, modernize, and transform the existing Uptown Transit Center into an area where people can live, work, and play with direct access to the ART. Once complete, the redevelopment project will create over 400 affordable & market-rate housing units across two towers, entertainment and retail space, and improve access to public transportation.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping communities in New Mexico access opportunity, health care, and education,” said Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. “This $25 million RAISE grant for Albuquerque's Bus Transit Center will improve safety, reduce traffic by getting cars off the road, and cut emissions—all while creating good-paying jobs. I have no doubt it will benefit the people of Albuquerque for years to come."
“In Albuquerque, we recognize the importance of combating climate change and fostering a solid, sustainable future for our community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These grants are a game changer in advancing our ongoing commitment to building a sustainable future for our city. We appreciate the support of our federal delegation in helping secure funding for this historic investment.”
Due to the nature of the project, Uptown Connect will contribute to the Biden Administration’s Justice 40 Initiative, investing in a Historically Disadvantaged Community by improving access, mobility, economic development, sustainability, and safety.
The additional $18.2 million funded by the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program will go towards the purchase 20 electric buses, expected to arrive within the next three years. The vehicles will be added to the 5 existing electric buses the City received through a similar grant in 2019. The funding will also help purchase and install in-route chargers at the Alvarado and Central/Unser Transit stations as well as at the main bus depot.
A greater number of electric fleet being operated by the City of Albuquerque will not only increase the sustainability of public transportation but also help improve service and reliability, address air quality and noise pollution, and improve access to essential services for disadvantaged communities.
“The awards received by ABQ RIDE are a testament to the resilience and hard work our team puts in each and every day to make the transit system in Albuquerque the best it can be for its residents”, said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “The additional electric buses and redevelopment of the Uptown Transit Center funded by these federal grants are a huge step as the department continues its efforts to reimagine the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation.”
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ABQ RIDE strives to be the first choice in transportation services for the Albuquerque Metro area by connecting our community to their livelihood. The ABQ RIDE transit network seeks to provide a service that is safe, sustainable, reliable, and equitable.