San Juan County Recipient of Funding for Pinon Hills Phase III
Long-awaited project fully funded, completion expected in 3 years
AZTEC, NM—For more than 25 years, community leaders have discussed the need for an additional river crossing and infrastructure to connect East Main Street to US 64. That need will now become a reality through funding allocated during the 2026 New Mexico Legislative session.
In 2022, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced $40 million to extend the eastern terminus across the Animas River and to Wildflower Parkway/ County Road 390, which creates access to US 64. Due to rising costs, the entirety of the funding allocation was required to complete Phases I and II of the project, leaving Pinion Hills currently ending at the intersection of County Road 3000.
The State of New Mexico has committed $27 million to the project. San Juan County will provide $3 million in matching funds to complete design, acquire right of way, and construct Phase III. The project plans are at the 90% mark and call for completion of Pinon Hills from County Road 3000 to an intersection of County Road 390.
“Thank you to the San Juan County legislative delegation, Governor’s Office, and County officials for making this project a reality,” said San Juan County Commission Chairman Sam Gonzales. “Consistent advocacy for this funding from San Juan County, collaboration among the legislative delegation, and support from the Governor’s Office will serve the residents by reducing congestion and improving emergency response times.”
San Juan County Legislators Senator Steve Lanier, Senator Bill Sharer, Representative Rod Montoya, Representative Mark Duncan, Representative Joseph Hernandez, and Representative Bill Hall supported the funding and championed it through the legislative budget process.
The grant will be made available to San Juan County after July to complete the designs to 100%. Right-of-way acquisition will be next, and then qualified contractors will be invited to bid on the project. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2029.
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