Lawmakers seek more than $1.2 billion to fund infrastructure projects in New Mexico
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During a committee hearing on Wednesday, lawmakers learned what those projects include. 'You know for many communities in our state, the capital outlay bill is their one and only source of revenue to do anything substantial for infrastructure in their communities,' said Representative Derrick Lente, (D-Sandia Pueblo).
It's one of the most awaited bills during any legislative session, the capital outlay proposal includes funding for projects that the governor and lawmakers want to get done across the state. The bill gives nearly $4 million for Balloon Fiesta Park upgrades, including $1 million for a museum playground. Another $4 million dollars is going to fund the Domingo Baca Aquatic Center, which has been in the works since 2005.
The University of New Mexico is getting more than $100 million in funding including, construction dollars for the College of Pharmacy and School of Medicine. In previous years, lawmakers have faced criticism over infrastructure projects that get started but sit uncompleted.
During a committee hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Derrick Lente said having extra funds has helped them finish some of these projects. 'An additional 8 million dollars was provided for waterline expansions in Curry County. That fully funded that project that otherwise would never have received fully funding of that project,' said Rep. Lente.
He said this year's bill set aside $50 million to help complete projects like improving water lines and fire stations, especially in rural communities. 'In this bill itself that it actually helps to complete projects versus just continuing a process where we give a little bit, we give a little bit, we give a little bit but never could fully fund it because the goal post is always moving because inflation affects things, prices go up right,' said Rep. Lente.
During the committee meeting, some Republican lawmakers voted against the capital outlay bill, due to a project that the governor is funding, that would create a reproductive healthcare clinic that performs abortions. The package will be heard on the House floor Wednesday. If it passes there, it will then go to the Senate side.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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