SANTA FE, August 17, 2022 — Every year the City identifies for the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration its top five capital improvement projects for funding requests in the next legislative session. Among the top five for next year are SWAN Park Phase II ($5.25 million) and the expansion of the soccer fields and facilities at the Municipal Recreation Sports Complex ($7.5 million).
Last week, the City of Santa Fe Governing Body unanimously adopted the 2024-2028 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP) that was put forward by Public Works Director Regina Wheeler. The plan includes 69 citywide projects with total projected costs of $514,660,512.
Rounding out the top five priorities approved by the Governing Body are a new central library at the Midtown site ($22 million) and the development of infrastructure at the Midtown site ($12.1 million), and a new Fire Station #2 near West Alameda and South Meadows ($11 million). Other City priorities, such as affordable housing, are eligible for other funding sources.
Appropriations from the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions included:
- Median Beautification: $1,170,000
- Parks Improvements: $1,000,000
- Midtown Infrastructure: $2,000,000
- Tierra Contenta Trail: $300,000
- Jemez Road Sewer Infrastructure: $400,000
- Harrison Road Lighting and Sidewalks: $100,000
- Paseo de las Vistas Reconstruction: $275,000
Mayor Alan Webber says: “Our priorities are clear: Invest in facilities and improvements that will build a better future for our kids and families. This is especially true of the Southside of Santa Fe, the fastest-growing part of the city. We want healthy neighborhoods and excellent community facilities. We have a great partnership with the State of New Mexico, the Governor, and the Legislature, and we’ll keep working with them so we can serve our residents now and in the future.”
“The ICIP is a set of projects that are best suited for legislative funding," says Director Wheeler. "The needs are compiled from the public, Councilors, and staff input throughout the year. Many funding sources are used to address capital needs across the City including funding from NMDOT, the Federal Aviation Administration, Gross Receipts Tax bonds, CARES, ARPA, energy loans, grants, and others. Check out all of the impactful capital projects underway at the new Capital Projects Dashboard on the City’s website."
Southside Project Specifics
SWAN Park Phase ll: Design of the project is underway and the community is engaged with the project team in selecting which improvements from the park master plan will be included in this project. Funding is being sought for the construction. The project summary states: “Phase II park amenities could include completing the Arroyo Chamiso Trail, additional shade trees, horseshoe pits, natural grass multi-purpose fields, dog park, BMX track, wilderness trails and/or a water playground/splash pad.”
MRC: The soccer community is engaged with the City to create a vibrant place for league play and tournaments. The project summary states: “To plan, design and construct four multipurpose, artificial turf fields with lights (one a championship field) and associated site improvements to accommodate a growing soccer and lacrosse community. … along with an associated stand structure which will include seating, meeting rooms, dressing rooms, bathroom facilities, concession space, parking, and storage.”