October 22nd, 2026N.M. Delegation Welcomes $18.5 Million to Improve Albuquerque Sunport’s Rail Spur, Restore 6 Miles of Track, & Expand Freight Opportunities Across the State

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming over $18.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Albuquerque International Sunport’s Rail Spur Project, a key economic development initiative at New Mexico’s largest airport. This grant is funded by Congress through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program under the Federal Railroad Administration. The grant is being awarded to the City of Albuquerque to improve approximately six miles of existing railroad track near the Albuquerque International Sunport. Planned improvements include track upgrades, a new rail siding, and connections to nearby industrial properties, a retaining wall to prevent erosion, and advanced security and railcar monitoring technology. The rail spur improvements will help meet the needs of businesses seeking efficient freight transportation options and support development in the surrounding region, including nearby Mesa del Sol. Together, these efforts represent a strategic investment in infrastructure that can help accommodate future commercial and industrial growth. “Investing in New Mexico’s commercial infrastructure helps grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for New Mexico families,” said Heinrich, Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. “This $18.5 million federal investment will restore a critical section of track at the Albuquerque International Sunport, improve safety and freight service, and create new opportunities to move goods through one of the Southwest's most important cargo hubs.” “This investment in the Albuquerque International Sunport’s Rail Spur Project will strengthen critical infrastructure and boost economic development in the region for years to come,” said Luján. “This $18.5 million federal investment will restore roughly six miles of track, improve safety and performance, and create a strong hub for businesses in the region. I’m proud to welcome this critical investment and will continue working to bring federal dollars home to New Mexico.” “When we invest in our infrastructure, we invest in New Mexico’s future. These improvements to the Sunport’s rail spur will help local businesses move goods more efficiently, create new opportunities for economic growth, and strengthen our state’s ability to compete and grow. By connecting businesses to reliable freight transportation, we can support good-paying jobs and build a stronger economy for our communities,” said Leger Fernández. “New Mexico is on the move! This $18 million investment will help rehabilitate six miles of rail near the Sunport laying the groundwork to move essential goods—from construction materials, to industrial supplies, and other bulk freight—more efficiently,” said Stansbury. “This project is an important step in lowering transportation barriers for businesses, strengthening our supply chains, and attracting new economic opportunities to our state. I’m proud to partner with the New Mexico delegation to bring home this $18 million to bring federal resources home to invest in our infrastructure, our economy, and our local communities.” “I’m proud to welcome this much-needed investment to upgrade critical rail transportation infrastructure at the Albuquerque Sunport,” said Vasquez. “The New Mexico delegation will continue working diligently to ensure federal funds are directed where they’re most needed and have an impact on safety and economic growth. The track upgrades are a welcome boost to operations at the Sunport.” “Albuquerque already has the airport, the rail line, the interstate connections, and the land. This investment helps us put those assets to work together,” said Albuquerque City Mayor Tim Keller. “Investments like this strengthen our competitive edge, connect local industry to new markets and help build a stronger economic future for communities across New Mexico.” ###