MPO committee recommends FY2027–28 work plan amid federal funding uncertainty

The Sierra Valley MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee on Wednesday recommended that the governing board adopt the FY2027–28 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), approving the draft built on current federal‑fiscal‑year 2026 numbers because final federal allocations remain uncertain.

Andrew Ray, who presented the UPWP to the committee, said the plan must be adopted by the board in June and that staff were adding a planning task to support the High Mesa Corridor, a long‑standing regional priority. “UPWP is the biennial, financial and work task, document for the MPO,” Ray said.

Ray told members the MPO followed NMDOT guidance and entered FY2026 funding figures with the understanding they will amend the UPWP when federal figures for FY2027 are finalized. He warned that federal legislation’s status makes budgeting uncertain: the transportation bill is pending in Congress and may require continuing resolutions. Ray gave the current local‑match split for FHWA funds as City of Las Cruces 65.5%, Doña Ana County 33.5% and Town of Mesilla 1%; he added the city would continue to provide 100% of the transit local match.

Committee members asked how additional federal dollars would be programmed if the Build America draft increases MPO funding. Andrew Bencomo asked whether new positions or staff would be prioritized; Ray said staffing was a primary candidate and that an additional administrative support position would help manage the MPO’s separation from the city of Las Cruces. “If we are able to get a funding increase, that is exactly where that money would go,” Ray said.

Jim Wilcox opposed approving the UPWP using placeholder numbers, calling it risky from a fiscal‑conservative standpoint. The committee voted to forward the recommendation to the governing board by roll call: Andrew Holguin (aye); Andrew Bencomo (aye); Longino Bustillos (aye); Ashley Curry (aye); Jim Wilcox (no); Guerrero (aye); Albert Casillas (aye); Chair George Pearson (aye). The chair declared the motion passed.

What happens next: Staff will transmit the recommendation to the MPO governing board, which is scheduled to consider adoption of the UPWP in June; if federal funding figures change, the MPO will amend the UPWP accordingly.

Authorities referenced in the discussion included NMDOT guidance, FHWA program rules, and the draft federal “Build America” legislation as the source of potential funding changes. The committee’s approval was a recommendation to the governing board rather than an adoption of final federal allocations.