Bernalillo County has received five competitive grants totaling $4.6 million aimed at improving transportation, reducing waste, and enhancing public spaces.
A $500,000 grant from the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s DC Fast Charging Program, with additional funding from a county match and a PNM rebate, will be used to install a high-speed Level 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station at the county headquarters on Fourth Street in downtown Albuquerque. The new station, which is expected to be operational in 2026, will replace one of two existing Level 2 charging ports and will be the only public fast charger available in downtown Albuquerque.
The county also secured $3.4 million from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, plus a local match of $582,400, to design and construct its first multi-use trail on the west side of the Rio Grande. The planned trail will run along the Isleta Drain from Central Avenue to Blake Road and aims to provide safe walking and biking routes connecting neighborhoods with schools, parks, and community centers. Design work is scheduled for next year with construction anticipated in 2027.
To address illegal dumping issues, Bernalillo County was awarded $82,100 through the New Mexico Environment Department’s Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) Grant. This funding will allow the purchase of a tire cutter and related equipment to remove thousands of tires from high-impact areas on the county’s Westside. Officials expect this investment to reduce disposal costs by more than 85 percent over time.
In addition, another RAID Grant for $36,500 was awarded to fund an impact study on Ordinance 2019-15. This ordinance bans single-use plastic bags and polystyrene containers at retail locations outside city limits in Bernalillo County. The study will assess how much waste has been diverted since the ordinance took effect on July 1, 2021; it will also review customer behavior and potential improvements. As the first evaluation of its kind locally in New Mexico, findings may influence future policy decisions statewide.
Finally, Bernalillo County received $12,706 from the New Mexico Tourism Department’s Clean and Beautiful Grant program for beautification efforts across New Mexico. These funds will support nearly 30 Scrap Tire Recycle Amnesty Day events throughout Bernalillo County as well as other litter reduction activities.
Meanwhile, the District Attorney of Bernalillo County has voiced concerns about suspects violating GPS monitor requirements while awaiting trial. In one instance involving Jawid Yaqubi—who faces charges after allegedly firing a gun near family members—the DA’s office attempted to keep him detained until trial but he was released by a judge.
