Possible state money for southeast NM road projects remains in neutral in Legislature
A New Mexico House bill setting aside millions of dollars for road projects deemed critical in southeast New Mexico is not likely to be voted on as the 2023 Legislative session heads into the home stretch, said State Rep. Jim Townsend.
Townsend (R-54) introduced House Bill 223 in late January during the early phases of the 60-day session of the New Mexico Legislature.
Rep. Candy Spence Ezell (R-58), Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R-55), Rep. Greg Nibert (R-59) and Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-66) also signed on to the proposed legislation known as Projects on Certain Highways.
More:New report emphasizes need for increased investment in SENM road projects
“It is not going anywhere,” said Townsend of HB 223.
The legislation would create a $650 million appropriation through the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s (NMDOT) Appropriation Contingency Fund during a nearly two-period for right of way acquisition, planning and design along New Mexico State Roads 31 and 128 in Eddy and Lea counties and along U.S. Highway 380 near Roswell.
The bill received a do pass recommendation Feb. 9 from the House Transportation, Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee, according to the New Mexico Legislature’s website.
SB 223 stalled in the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and no hearing was scheduled as of March 14.
An analysis conducted by the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) cited multiple issues on the southeast New Mexico routes, including signs of distress and deterioration of highway asphalt.
LFC noted nearly 35 percent of U.S. 380 and 31 percent of NM. 31 and N.M. 128 have low pavement conditions, require reconstruction and substantial rehabilitation.
Townsend said his fellow southeast New Mexico legislators were united to get HB 223 passed and he said there is still a chance for action before the 60-day session ends at noon on March 18.
More:SENM legislators seek large monetary appropriation from state for key road projects
Nearly $338 million was needed to reconstruct nearly 60 miles of roadway along N.M. 31 and N.M. 128, according to a study done by the National Transportation Research Project (TRIP).
TRIP’s study indicated alternate passing lanes were needed along with roadway reconstruction and pavement rehabilitation on both state highways.
An NMDOT website said both roads were in the design development stage and the first phase of improvements would be delivered using a design-build method, which provides flexibility in funding allowing NMDOT to move towards starting construction sooner.
“For the economy to continue to move forward in New Mexico the condition and the reliability of its transportation system is vital to that the quality of life and economic growth,” said Rocky Moretti, director of policy and research at TRIP.
He said bills like HB 223 were an investment in New Mexico’s transportation system.
“(It) is really an investment in the state’s future,” Moretti said.
In its analysis of HB 223, LFC noted if NMDOT cannot rely on the Legislature to pass the measure, a plan using multiple standalone projects completing the work would be emplaced. The report noted NMDOT projected unspecified costs savings with consolidation into a single project.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Road funding bill for SENM roads stalled in NM Legislature
