Volume 3, Issue 1 | FFY 2022-Q1
TRAVEL TIMES
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Passed
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed into law on November 15th, 2021. It will provide $550 billion in federal investment over five years for roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure, resilience, and broadband. $350 billion will be directed to highway programs. Highway programs include rehabilitating bridges, reducing carbon emissions, connecting communities, and improving access to economic opportunity. Many of the new programs allow local governments, MPOs, Tribes, and other public authorities to directly compete for funding.

In New Mexico, based on formula funding alone, the state will expect to receive about $2.8 billion over the next five years for repairing/rebuilding roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resiliency, equity, and safety for all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.



City of Albuquerque Seeking Feedback on Bicycle Maps for 2022 Update
The City of Albuquerque is currently in the process of updating their Bicycle and Trail Map (the folding pamphlet version). As part of the update, they are seeking feedback on any and all aspects of the map--from incorrectly labeled facilities to missing information that would be useful to cyclists--in order to make it as accurate and helpful as possible.

You can take a survey about the bike map here. The survey closes in mid-January.
Albuquerque Rail Trail Framework Plan Open for Public Comment
The initial draft of the Rail Trail Framework Plan has been released by the City of Albuquerque's Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency.

The Rail Trail would be a walking and bicycling trail that would run from the Rail Yards to east downtown, running along the existing railroad corridor. It is envisioned to be a catalytic project that would help reconnect and reinvigorate downtown.

You can learn more about the project here. Feedback and comments can be provided at cabq.gov/railtrail through January 31.
Claudia Patricia Merlo Steps into New Role as Planning Program and Title VI Coordinator at MRMPO
Claudia Patricia Merlo has joined the staff of MRMPO as the Planning Program and Title VI Coordinator. In this role she works under the supervision of the MPO Transportation Program Manager and MRCOG Executive Director.

Claudia's responsibilities include providing administrative support for the Metropolitan Transportation Board, the Transportation Coordinating Committee, and various MPO subcommittees. She also serves as the MRCOG/MRMPO Title VI Coordinator to ensure that MRCOG complies with all federal and state requirements related to planning programs and products.

Before working at MRMPO, Claudia worked for Rio Metro as their ACCESS Program Coordinator working on providing free transportation options for New Mexico residents receiving employment, housing, personal stability assistance, and other activities to improve their lives.

When asked what things she looks forward to tackling in her new job, she said, "I love improving processes and ways of doing things to better the department and the service we give to the entities we have a relationship with. I am always open to learning more, facing challenges, and contributing as much as I can with what I have as a person and professional."

Outside of work, Claudia loves spending time with her husband, sons, family and fur babies (a dog and cat) as well as cooking, watching movies, sewing and knitting, and going on RV road tips. In her past she was a gymnast, figure competitor and powerlifter, setting some national and world records for her bodyweight class.

Welcome Claudia, we are glad you've got our back!
Update from Rio Metro
Rail Runner Anniversary Poster Contest

At the beginning of the fall semester, Rio Metro Regional Transit District collaborated with the Public Academy for Performing Arts (PAPA) in Albuquerque on a New Mexico Rail Runner Express 15 Year Anniversary Poster Contest. Students in grades 6 to 12 were given a list of artistic guidelines for their posters and had approximately six weeks to complete the project. A panel of judges from the community selected a winner for each grade level, as well as an overall grand prize winner. 
 
Winners were announced on October 19, 2021 during a ceremony at the school. Each winner was presented with their original poster professionally framed. They also received a plaque, a hand-calligraphed thank you card, and a Rail Runner goodie bag. Rio Metro also acknowledged all participating students for their hard work with certificates, and PAPA’s Visual Arts Teacher with an engraved glass plaque. 
 
Upcoming Meetings and Events at MRMPO
Friday, December 24 and Friday December 31: MRCOG offices closed

Friday, January 7 (1:30 PM): Transportation Coordinating Committee Meeting

Monday, January 17: MRCOG offices closed

Friday, January 21 (10 AM): Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting

Friday, February 4 (1:30 PM): Transportation Coordinating Committee Meeting

Friday, February 18 (10 AM): Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting

Monday, February 21: MRCOG offices closed

Please see the Mid-Region Council of Governments website for details and the full calendar of meetings. To arrange special accommodations for attending meetings, please notify the MRCOG office by phone at (505) 247-1750 or email cpmerlo@mrcog-nm.gov seven days prior to the meeting.
Please note that Travel Times is now published on a quarterly schedule with issues that align with the Fiscal Federal Year. This FFY22 Q1 edition marks the first issue of our third volume. All previous issues published on a monthly cycle comprise volume one of Travel Times. If you have any questions regarding newsletter articles or suggestions for future content, please do not hesitate to contact Tara Cok by email at tcok@mrcog.gov.