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SCRTD officials press NMDOT on El Paso MPO funds; board seeks direct funding or formal agreement
Summary
Board members and staff said they met with New Mexico Department of Transportation officials to pursue a path for receiving El Paso metropolitan planning organization funds for services operating in the El Paso urbanized area, estimating about $300,000 annually could be at stake.
South Central Regional Transit District board members said they discussed funding with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and sought a path to ensure funds from the El Paso metropolitan planning organization reach New Mexico agencies that operate in the El Paso urbanized area.
"Our quest is to get to the governor," Executive Director David Armijo said, explaining that because the El Paso urbanized area crosses state lines any change to funding designation requires gubernatorial-level agreement. Commissioner Sanchez, who led the recap, said the meeting with NMDOT and agency officials produced a possible administrative path to ensure timely funding even if the district does not become a direct recipient immediately.
Commissioner Sanchez said the district estimates about $300,000 per year could come to New Mexico agencies if the allocation is resolved in their favor. Board members described the issue as one of equity: services the district operates in the El Paso urbanized area are currently funded only from the New Mexico side of the urbanized-area formula.
Armijo and others said the change would require political engagement and coordination with Texas officials and El Paso-area partners and that some administrative steps will be needed to accelerate disbursement. The board agreed to continue pursuing state-level and federal discussions to secure the funds and improve the timeliness of reimbursements.
No formal action was taken during the meeting; members said the matter will continue to be pursued through staff and political channels.
