Gov. pledges $1 million to repair tracks

Gov. Susana Martinez is pledging $1 million to improve part of the track used by Southwest Chief in New Mexico.

The Las Vegas Optic reports New Mexico Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Loren Hatch informed Las Vegas Mayor Alfonso Ortiz of the $1 million commitment Thursday.

Hatch says the money will be used for the section of the track that is in most need of repair, which lies between Lamy and La Bajada hill.

Hatch says the funding is contingent upon a grant being awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which requires financial support from local municipalities along the route in order to secure.

Ortiz says several municipalities including Raton and Las Vegas have agreed to contribute, which he says shows how important the current route is.