SANTA FE, N.M. - Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced $500,000 for revitalization projects in three New Mexico MainStreet communities; Belen, Albuquerque, and Raton. Together, among other uses, these projects will improve infrastructure for pedestrian access and be used to help grow visitor and retail traffic in MainStreet districts.

"Our MainStreet program has a proven track record of economic performance through private sector reinvestment," said Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel. "Investment in public infrastructure transforms downtowns, improves quality of life and drives economic growth."

Funded projects include:

Belen - This project will make pedestrian access, safety and lighting improvements to draw substantial local and visitor retail traffic through linking walking routes between the Belen Rail Runner Station, the Harvey House Museum, and Main Street. The Belen Great Blocks on MainStreet Project supports intensive design and development of construction documents for aesthetic and Infrastructure improvements of three blocks in the Railroad District.

Downtown Albuquerque -This project supports a streetscape project for Central Avenue and Historic Route 66 between First and Eighth Street in Downtown Albuquerque, including landscape improvements, street tree renovation, and central irrigation. The project will help continue improving the neighborhood's aesthetics and provide more shade for pedestrian foot traffic.

Raton - The Public Infrastructure Funding is for construction of Phase I and Phase II of the Raton Great Blocks on Mainstreet Project: Historic First Street - Rio Grande to Park Avenue Project. The project encompasses curb extensions for safe crossings and pedestrian lighting.

"Public Infrastructure leverages substantial private sector reinvestment and creates visible improvements in downtown through upgrades to pedestrian safety and lighting, creating vital spaces for economic growth," said New Mexico MainStreet Director Rich Williams. "Investments in public infrastructure in our MainStreet communities support jobs, business expansions, entrepreneurial and business development, and is critical in helping to diversify our economy."

Applications were accepted from eligible MainStreet and Arts and Cultural Districts for the construction of capital, infrastructure and renovation projects, and for downtown master planning in eligible New Mexico MainStreet Districts and Arts & Cultural Districts. Projects were selected through an application process and needed to demonstrate direct economic impact and/or job creation in the district. Qualifying projects need to be on the adopted Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan (MRA) and their municipality's ICIP priority plan (Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Plan). Funded communities provided both in-kind and cash matches to the grant and submitted a follow-up redevelopment plan for their organization to capitalize and leverage private sector redevelopment within the project area.

A program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, New Mexico MainStreet works throughout the state to help affiliated local organizations create an economically viable business environment while preserving cultural and historic resources. New Mexico MainStreet currently serves 27 affiliated MainStreet Districts, eight state-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts, 14 Frontier Community projects, and eight Historic Theater Initiatives. For more information about New Mexico MainStreet, visit https://gonm.biz/ or http://nmmainstreet.org/.