Rail | 2013 Report Card for America's Infrastructure

Aviation

D+

New Mexico Airports serve a critical role in the State’s economic development. A 2009 New Mexico Airport System Plan study showed that aviation in New Mexico supports 48,795 jobs, generates $1.3 billion in payroll annually, and is responsible for contributing $3.1 billion annually to the economy. However, with only 66% of needed funding available, our aviation infrastructure components are experiencing a steady decline.

Bridges

C-

New Mexico has a large number of bridges reaching the end of their design life and a bleak funding outlook which resulted in a rating that is lower than is indicated by condition alone. Cost estimates to repair or replace bridges in New Mexico is currently $178 million; this number will grow rapidly as each additional design life is exceeded.

Drinking Water

C-

Many of New Mexico’s potable water systems are deteriorating at an ever-increasing rate due to the age of the systems. The systems have been serving their communities very well over the years with safe reliable water, but routine maintenance and rehabilitation must be increased for there to be any chance of keeping up with the sustainability goal for future generations.

Education

B-

New Mexico’s student population increased 3.5% to 337,000 since the last Infrastructure Report Card in 2005. New Mexico public schools utilize over 100 million square feet of building space. The New Mexico Facilities Condition Index (NMCIneeded repairs of a school building divided by its replacement value) improved by 46% since 2003 but the rate of improvement has slowed, and in 2010 began to reverse due to funding constraints. The NMCI enables the comparison of all the public schools in the state to determine greatest need for funds that are available for the correction of school deficiencies. Current unfunded public school facilities needs total $4.05 billion.

Flood Control

D+

The condition of flood control infrastructure in New Mexico varies widely, with larger municipalities having more effective facilities than rural areas. On balance, 73% of all jurisdictional dams and 77% of jurisdictional flood control dams are considered deficient or not in satisfactory condition. Ongoing work should improve on the 16% of jurisdictional dams classified as high or significant hazard potential. However, there are significant shortcomings in the state’s flood control infrastructure that are expected to worsen over time.

Rail

Railroads play a major role in New Mexico’s economy providing for the movement of natural resources, freight and people. The primary problem with the Burlington Northern (BNSF) Santa Fe and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) corridors is capacity. The State, Federal and local governments should pass economic stimulus bills to encourage the development of these rail corridors. The short line railroads are the primary movers of the State’s natural resources (coal, potash, copper, etc.) and the Short Line Credit Extension federal legislation should be extended to support this important rail connectors. Finally, New Mexico has a unique passenger rail system in the Rail Runner that provides rail passenger service between Belen and Santa Fe. The State should recognize the transit / tourism benefits and the local governments should promote transit oriented facilities.

Roads

The capacity and condition of New Mexico’s roads are above the national average, which is partially a result of the relatively lower statewide population and traffic volume. However, New Mexico’s urban roads are among the roughest in the nation. Vehicular travel on New Mexico’s roads has been increasing at a rate of about double the national average; increasing high traffic and a shortage of funding have made New Mexico’s road serviceability decline over time.

Solid Waste

The condition of the State of New Mexico’s solid waste infrastructure is good. Solid Waste collection at the curb is provided to more than 60% of the population, disposal capacity exceeds 60 years, recycling services are provided in each of the state’s 102 municipalities, and there are drop-off locations for solid waste and recyclables in all 33 counties. The state must focus on continued support of the solid waste system through adequate funding, training, and public education and awareness of the value of a strong solid waste system.

Transit

C+

Transit is maintaining a level of service that is currently meeting most of the public’s needs. However, in order to provide for increasing ridership, create a competitive alternative to other modes of transportation, and play a role in the solution to increasing roadway congestion, additional funding and a higher placed priority on new program initiatives are required.

Wastewater

Historically, the cost of waste water treatment in New Mexico has been low in many locations, because treating waste water was not a priority. So, those costs added to any new water conservation measures such as reuse and grey water has made the need for rehabilitating treatment systems slow to be realized. This has led to there being little opportunity or perceived need for new plants, improved system operations or even rehabilitating plants that already exist.

Each category was evaluated on the basis of capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience, and innovation

New Mexico

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