New Mexico MainStreet Awards $2.5 Million to 13 Capital Outlay Public Infrastructure Revitalization Projects

Funding is used to plan, design, construct and improve infrastructure in downtown MainStreet and Arts & Cultural Districts statewide

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) and the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) announced that $2.5 million has been awarded for revitalization projects in 13 NMMS districts. The NMMS Public Infrastructure Capital Outlay Program provides funding for upgrades within a targeted public investment area. Projects must be an economic driver, demonstrate impact on the local economy, improve the appearance & functionality of the district, create connectors, and engage local property & business owners.

“The Capital Outlay Program is an essential component of economic redevelopment and supports the revitalization of rural & urban communities across the state,” Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said.

“Capital Outlay appropriations from the Legislature allow New Mexico MainStreet to fund priority construction-ready projects from our pipeline and directly support economic growth, property renovation, business development and job creation in downtown districts,” NMMS Director Daniel Gutierrez said.

After completion, Capital Outlay projects make a positive impact by increasing pedestrian traffic and business expansions by 60 percent and reducing building vacancies by 70 percent. Rural districts can leverage these state funds to invest in economic redevelopment while still providing essential services to the community.

Funded projects include:

1. Carlsbad MainStreet Arts & Cultural District – Cultural Economic Development Plan: $40,00
   “We’re thrilled to receive Capital Outlay Public Infrastructure funding for our Arts & Cultural District’s Cultural Economic Development Plan! This plan is the final step for our district to become state-authorized and we’re excited to get started with that process,” Carlsbad MainStreet Executive Director Kat Davis said.
   
2. Clovis MainStreet – Construction Documents for Mini Great Blocks Project: $55,000
   “Clovis MainStreet is thankful to receive Capital Outlay funding to get started with our Great Blocks project. This project will improve public infrastructure and increase economic vitality in our downtown,” Clovis MainStreet Executive Director Lisa Pellegrino-Spear said.
   
3. Corrales MainStreet Arts & Cultural District –Cultural Economic Development Plan: $40,000
   “Corrales MainStreet is thrilled to receive these funds which will allow us to move forward in the authorization process for our Arts & Cultural district,” Corrales MainStreet Executive Director Angela Gutierrez said.
   
4. Gallup MainStreet Arts & Cultural District – Coal Avenue Commons Alleyways Project: $100,000
   “Gallup MainStreet Arts & Cultural District and the City of Gallup are excited to receive this support. The Coal Avenue Commons Alley Improvement project is an extension of the Coal Avenue Commons project, which completed phase I last summer. This project will make the alley on the southside of Coal Avenue safe and pedestrian friendly. It’ll also fix drainage & flooding issues and tie-in with the improvements to the walkway that connect parking on Aztec to Coal Avenues,” Gallup MainStreet Interim Executive Director Michael Bulloch said.
   
5. MainStreet de Las Vegas – Historic Railroad District Great Blocks on MainStreet Project: $352,000
   “We’re thrilled to receive this additional funding, especially with the recent rise in construction costs. We look forward to the construction that will begin this spring,” MainStreet de Las Vegas Board President Reina Fernandez said.
   
6. Mora MainStreet – Mora Plaza Kiosk Project: $56,500
   “Mora MainStreet is ecstatic to be included in NMMS Capital Outlay funding. This project will have a big impact in the community, benefiting tourists and residents alike,” Mora MainStreet Board President Anita Moss said.
   
7. Nob Hill MainStreet – MainStreet Lighting Project: $157,000
   “Nob Hill MainStreet is incredibly grateful to receive support for our lighting project. Not only will this enhance walkability and improve public safety, but it will also bring East and West Nob Hill together as a unified district,” Nob Hill MainStreet Executive Director Valerie Osbourn said.
   
8. Raton MainStreet – Phase I of Historic Raton Train Depot Preservation Project: $270,900
   “Raton MainStreet is so excited for this project’s support. The Historic Railroad Depot project will enhance our downtown and ensure visitors arriving by train, bus or automobile know they have arrived in downtown Raton,” Raton MainStreet Executive Director Brenda Ferri said.
   
9. Santa Rosa MainStreet – Community Crossroads Route 66 Great Blocks Project: $110,000
   “Santa Rosa Mainstreet is excited to begin the first phase of planning the Community Crossroads on Rt. 66 project. Thanks to New Mexico Mainstreet for their support. This project will make a huge impact for downtown businesses, local residents and visitors,” Santa Rosa MainStreet Executive Director Chantel Lovato said.
   
10. Silver City MainStreet – Silco Theater Building Improvements: $125,000
    “Silver City MainStreet is grateful for this funding which will help improve the viability & sustainability of the historic Silco Theatre. By making the theatre a true community space for movies, events and performances, downtown Silver City’s economic vitality will increase, making Silver City the place to be and experience,” Silver City MainStreet Executive Director Charmeine Wait said.
    
11. South Valley MainStreet – Dolores Huerta Gateway Park Project: $473,600
    “South Valley MainStreet is extremely excited and grateful for this award! Since 2017, we’ve worked in partnership with community members, Bernalillo County, New MainStreet and our Legislative Representatives to develop a community-based vision and construction-ready documents to redevelop the Dolores Huerta Gateway Park. We will be able to redevelop an important community gathering space in the South Valley of Albuquerque, and grow opportunities for the La Familia Growers Market, farmers, food trucks, arts-n-crafts vendors, musicians, small businesses, and community members,” South Valley MainStreet Executive Director Bianca Encinias said.
    
12. MainStreet Truth or Consequences – Foch Street Great Blocks Project: $320,000
    “We’re thrilled the City of Truth or Consequences received this important funding for the Foch Street project. This project will go a long way in beautifying the core of our historic hot springs district, making it even more enjoyable for both residents and visitors,” MainStreet T or C Board President John Masterson said.
    
13. Tucumcari MainStreet – Great Blocks Phase I & II Completion Project: $400,000
    “Tucumcari MainStreet is grateful to receive New Mexico MainStreet Capital Outlay funding for our Great Blocks on MainStreet project and we’re excited to continue work on this project which is reinvigorating our downtown district,” Tucumcari MainStreet Executive Director Connie Loveland said.

NMEDD and NMMS is requesting $10 million in the 2022 Legislative session for the Capital Outlay Program. NMMS’s priority infrastructure pipeline currently has 12 MainStreet projects with a funding cap totaling $13.5 million. More information about the Capital Outlay Program can be found on NMMS’s website.

The number of projects awarded each year is contingent on the Legislature’s annual appropriation to NMMS’s Capital Outlay Program. Capital Outlay funds are used to leverage/match other local, state, corporate, and foundation dollars to fully-fund projects. Projects are selected through a competitive application process, and based on an adopted Master Plan, Cultural Economic Development Plan, or Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2022
Contact: Jessica Mraz
(505) 365-3998
info@nmmainstreet.org

Download PDF