City of Albuquerque Awarded More Than $18.5 Million to Modernize Sunport Rail Spur Draft
Federal grant will improve freight rail infrastructure and support future regional economic growth
ALBUQUERQUE — The City of Albuquerque has been selected to receive up to $18.5 million through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program to rehabilitate and modernize the Sunport Rail Spur. The federal investment will help strengthen Albuquerque’s freight transportation network and support future economic development opportunities throughout the region.
“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 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.”
The Sunport Rail Spur Project will 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.
“Investing in New Mexico’s commercial infrastructure helps grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for New Mexico families,” said Senator Martin 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.”
New Mexico Transloading, the rail spur’s first client, has already invested approximately $1.4 million to rehabilitate the northern portion of the line, building momentum for the corridor’s continued development.
“The Sunport Rail Spur is a critical piece of infrastructure in our vision for the Sunport as a multimodal commerce center and internationally connected trade port,” said Director of Aviation Manny Manriquez. “By strengthening connections between rail, air and regional industry, we’re laying the groundwork to attract new businesses, expand access to global markets and position Albuquerque as a more competitive hub for freight, logistics and industrial development.”
The 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.
The Aviation Department thanks U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez, Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez, for their support of the project. The Aviation Department also recognizes the Bernalillo County Economic Development Office, the City of Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department, and New Mexico Transloading for providing letters of support. Their advocacy helped demonstrate the project’s importance to the region’s freight infrastructure and economic future.
About the Albuquerque International Sunport
Owned and operated by the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department, the Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico’s largest commercial airport, welcoming over 5 million passengers each year. Served by six major carriers, three cargo carriers and two commuter airlines, the Sunport offers nonstop service between Albuquerque and 32 destinations, with worldwide connectivity.
