ABQ Times

Mayor Tim Keller has vetoed a proposal to redirect $500,000 from the Rail Trail project to another initiative. This decision follows community support for maintaining funding for the Rail Trail, which is currently under construction at the Central crossing and in the Sawmill district.

"I do not support taking funding away from a project already under construction," stated Mayor Keller. "I stand with our community and am exercising my line-item veto authority to keep Rail Trail progress on track. We will continue to work with the City Council to secure funding for both the Rail Trail and the Indoor Sports Complex, projects I have championed from day one."

Community members have expressed their backing for the Rail Trail by reaching out to city officials. In recognition of this support, a "Rally for the Rail Trail" event is scheduled for Sunday, February 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sawmill site of the project on Bellamah Ave. NW near 19th.

In his veto message, Mayor Keller also emphasized his continued advocacy for an Indoor Sports Complex, highlighting his capital outlay request to the State Legislature and suggesting that councilors could use neighborhood set asides to fund it.