On Sept. 9, the U.S. Department of Transportation withdrew an $11.5 million grant from the city of Albuquerque for the planned construction of the Rail Trail.
The planned 7-mile loop will take pedestrians and cyclists around Downtown and Barelas.
The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant is $11.5 million and amounts to nearly 30% of the Rail Trail’s total funding. The rest of the $39.5 million budget is from city or state funds. An additional $3 million in federal funding was earmarked by the U.S. Senate.
In a letter the city received on Sept. 9, the U.S. DOT said the project “no longer aligns” with the department’s new priorities under the Trump administration, namely in promoting car-centric projects. It also lists that funding was revoked to ensure “taxpayer dollars are used efficiently in ways that maximally benefit the American people and improve their quality of life.”
According to the city, it will continue with construction on the Sawmill and Central crossing portions of the Rail Trail project.
The Sawmill section is set to open in late fall, while the Central crossing will open sometime in 2026, according to a city release.
Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC), highlighted that the Rail Trail aligns with the mission to foster a thriving business environment. She noted that for years, the Chamber has supported this urban trail project, which will enable residents and visitors to traverse from historic Rail Yards through various city landmarks.
The Chamber has also backed initiatives like forming a Business Improvement District (BID) and a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to boost Downtown’s economy and complement the Rail Trail.