The Mesilla Valley MPO Technical Advisory Committee voted to recommend approval of a package of Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments that add and move federal and local funds among regionally significant projects.

Dominic Loya, MPO staff, presented the proposed changes, which included adding preliminary engineering funds for an I-25 capacity study (LC00380) in federal fiscal year 2026, shifting federal funds for the Engler interchange ramp construction (LC00382) to fiscal year 2027, and adding Local Emergency Highway Infrastructure (LEHI) funds for a median concrete wall, barrier and lighting project (LC00530). Loya said the I-25 entry added $299,040 from STEP flex with a local road fund match of $50,960.

The package also included a suballocation for Sunland Park/SC Regional Transit District (SCRTD) operations (TL00160) — the transcript listed a suballocation of $25,833 with an equal local match for a total of $51,666 — and a reprogramming that moved $854,400 in federal funds for Engler interchange ramp work into fiscal year 2027 with no change to total project cost.

BPAC recommended the amendments at its prior meeting, Loya said, and MPO staff asked the TAC to recommend approval to the governing board. A motion to recommend approval passed by unanimous voice vote after a motion and second; the record shows Michael Garza seconded the motion, but the transcript does not name the member who first moved it.

Why it matters: TIP amendments reallocate federal and local funds between years and projects, which affects project schedules and the ability to obligate federal dollars. The I-25 capacity study addition will fund preliminary engineering work that MPO staff said will affect safety-performance measures.

The MPO staff will forward the recommended amendments to the governing board for final action.