Governor Proposes $200 Million in GRIP Projects

Governor Bill Richardson announced a $200 million package of road construction projects for the upcoming special session of the Legislature. The projects are targeted in rural New Mexico and will substantially move the state toward completion of the GRIP program.

The proposal calls for using $100 million in surplus monies and $100 million in severance tax bonds for 13 highway projects throughout the state. The new funding will be able to complete nearly 90% of the GRIP program that was started in 2004.

"The cost of inflation has hit the Transportation Department hard over the last several years," says Secretary Rhonda Faught. "In the last five years, the price of asphalt alone has increased by nearly 300%. With the money the Governor has provided, we can complete several projects around the state, especially those in rural communities where public transportation is not always readily available."

Projects that will be funded include: U.S. 54 Tularosa to Vaughn from mile post 119-163 (to be completed in three segments); U.S. 54 Tularosa to Vaughn, bridge construction at mile post 81.17; U.S. 62 Texas State Line to Carlsbad from mile post 25-20; U.S. 380 Capitan to Hondo, bridge construction at mile post 70; N.M. 11 Columbus to Deming, bridge construction from mile post 4-9; I-10 Signal and Geometric Improvements at the N.M. 404 Interchange; U.S. 180 Deming to Bayard from mile post 122-141.6; U.S. 64 Raton to Clayton from mile post 360-390 (to be completed in two segments); U.S. 64 Rio Arriba County Line east to U.S. 84 from mile post 141-148.7; U.S. 491 Tohatchi to Shiprock from mile post 53-59.

Several Rail Runner Stations Go to Kiewit N.M.

The Mid-Region Council of Governments and NMDOT have awarded Kiewit, New Mexico the construction contract for the first three Rail Runner stations in Santa Fe.

The $4.36 million contract will include work on the three stations that are slated to be up and running when Rail Runner service to Santa Fe starts in December. The stations that will be constructed are: the Downtown Santa Fe Rail Yard Station, the South Capital Complex Station, and the Zia Station.

The Rail Yard Station north of Paseo de Peralta is an existing station. Improvements include a passenger loading platform to meet accessibility requirements. The South Capitol Station will be located at the State Government Complex north of Alta Vista Street, while the Zia Station is part of a public/private partnership with the City of Santa Fe. For starters, a station platform will be constructed for accessibility, but may include more improvements in the future.

A fourth station - the South Santa Fe station at I-25 and NM Hwy 599 - is slated to be built as well. That station is part of the design-build phase of the project that includes the rail line from Waldo Canyon into the Santa Fe proper. The estimated completion of these first three Santa Fe stations is set for the end of November.

Hilton Albuquerque Hotel Undergoes 'Greenovation'

The Albuquerque Hilton Hotel, a landmark in the city's midtown area for nearly 40 years, is undergoing a comprehensive $14 million "greenovation" that will incorporate energy and water conservation and feature a fresh, contemporary Western style inside and out.

Albuquerque Hilton Hotel “greenovation”

Originally built in 1970-71, the Albuquerque Hilton is owned by Ocean Properties Ltd. and is part of the Hilton Hotel family.

Studio Southwest Architects designed the hotel's exterior and lobby areas. Klinger Constructors is the general contractor for the project and Landscapers Ground Management is the landscape architect for the entryway and the central courtyard.

Plans for the outside of the property include a striking new façade that is highlighted by stacked stone pillars, a completely redesigned porte-cochere and a covered walkway. The hotel's exterior will sport a contemporary tri-color palette of gold, rust and taupe to create a more modern feel and allow the Hilton to stand out from its surroundings.

Inside the hotel's entryway, check-in desk and lobby will be opened up to provide more light and an immediate connection to the outdoor courtyard.

The open area will feature dark-stained wood floors, stone touches and furnishings that reflect the hotel's progressive western style. Both existing elevators will be revamped to run more efficiently. A state-of-the-art fitness center will be relocated to look out over the hotel's central courtyard. The exterior will feature new fire pits and xeriscaping.

Hotel rooms are being renovated to include updated bathrooms that incorporate high-efficiency, dual flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and digitally controlled thermostats. Cultured marble countertops, lighted magnifying mirrors and brushed nickel finishes on faucets will provide touches of luxury and convenience. Hotel rooms will also have new wall coverings, new carpet and updated furnishings.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2009.

ASA Honors the Best

ASA of New Mexico held its annual Awards Banquet at the Embassy Suites July 25th. It was the largest event in the association's history, with over 250 guests in attendance.

The outstanding ASA member of the year was awarded to Marni Goodrich of Yearout Mechanical. The project manager of the year is Matt Aberman with Jaynes Corp., with Scott King of Klinger Constructors as first runner up. Superintendent of the year goes to Greg Kraus of Jaynes. Ed Fortenberry of Bradbury Stamm was first runner up. Project of the year went to UNM Children's Hospital, constructed by Jaynes Corporation. Architect/engineer of the year was Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, with Fanning Bard Tatum as runner up.

Finally, general contractor of the year went to Jaynes Corp. Reid & Associates and Enterprise Builders Corp. were runners up.

Albuquerque Public Schools Expenditures Way Up over Last Year

The Facilities Design + Construction division of Albuquerque Public Schools nearly doubled its expenditures, totalling over $140.3 million, in the fiscal year closing June 30 over that of 2007. FD+C accounts for 83% of the district's Capital Master Plan and pumps an average of $11 million into the local economy each month.

"In June our expenditures totaled over $19.3 million, the highest amount of money ever paid out in the history of the district," says Karen Alarid, Director of FD+C.

APS says it is currently responsible for 68% of all commercial building in Albuquerque and is currently managing 360 projects in design or construction, including 20 projects totaling $200 million to be built to at least a LEED silver accreditation. FD+C's current investment in new construction and renovation is $592 million.

"The nine new schools opening by 2009 account for some of the volume," says Alarid. "They include two high schools, two middle schools, four elementary schools, and the re-opening of Coronado Elementary."

Also accounting for FD+C's 67% growth over fiscal year 2007 include the construction of 100 permanent classrooms replacing portables in schools district wide; major renovation of Milne and Wilson Stadiums; numerous kindergarten additions; and a number of permanent classroom replacements. "It's not all new buildings; we're taking care of our existing facilities too," says Alarid.

To submit project news, events and personnel announcements, please email them to Scott Blair, editor, at scott_blair@mcgraw-hill.com. Include a color photograph or project rendering if applicable.