COUNTY News:

The New Mexico Department of Transportation recently announced that Los Alamos County was selected and awarded approximately $2 million in federal funding for the Canyon Rim Trail Underpass Project through the Transportation Alternatives Program.

“Los Alamos County is pleased to work once again with our state and federal partners to implement a project that will better serve our community,” County Engineer Eric Martinez said.

These funds, in addition to a County match of $340,000, will fund the design and construction of an underpass across NM 502 from the Canyon Rim Trailhead to Entrada Drive just west of the Coop.

“This trail underpass will be a much-needed safety improvement for crossing of NM 502,” Public Works Director Philo Shelton. Funding is split to provide funds for project design in Federal Fiscal Year 2018, and construction in Federal Fiscal Year 2020.

The Transportation Alternatives Program was established by Congress in 2012, and is funded through a proportional set-aside of the core Federal-aid Highway Program. Eligible activities include most activities historically funded as “Transportation Enhancements,” including the Recreational Trails and Safe Routes to School programs.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation administers the program in coordination with New Mexico’s regional and metropolitan transportation planning organizations.