Federal Grant Award Summary

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Transit and Rail Division received a $27.0 million Formula Grant for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program (CFDA 20.509) award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), obligated on March 12, 2026, with a completion date of September 30, 2031. This funding supports public transportation services and administration across rural New Mexico through two primary service categories: operating assistance and program administration for rural transit agencies, and state administration activities. Operating funds enable transit agencies to provide salaries for drivers, mechanics, and operations support staff; cover vehicle costs including fuel, preventive maintenance, and repairs; and pay occupancy and equipment expenses. Program administration activities fund salaries, fringe benefits, financial accounting, clerical support, contractual services, equipment, supplies, and training for transit agency management.

Complementing operational support, the grant funds state-level administration activities performed by NMDOT's Transit Bureau, including management and financial oversight of subrecipient agencies, technical assistance provision, and training initiatives. Training activities include an annual NMDOT Transit Conference, an annual Transit Managers Conference, quarterly training sessions, and scholarships for professional development opportunities. These combined investments aim to enhance public transportation access to employment, education, healthcare, and essential services for residents in towns, villages, and cities across New Mexico, while strengthening the administrative capacity and professional capabilities of rural transit providers statewide.