NEWS RELEASE: City of Las Vegas Awarded $1.5 Million for Riverwalk Trail Improvements

Las Vegas, N.M. — The City of Las Vegas has been awarded $1.5 million from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) through its Transportation Alternatives Program for the Riverwalk Trail Restoration Project. The funding will go toward major improvements to the walking trail that runs from National Avenue to Mills Avenue. The total cost of the project is $1.7 million and includes a required local match of $260,000. The City has submitted a request to NMDOT for a waiver of the local match requirement.

Among the planned improvements is a new pedestrian walkover bridge at the Mills Avenue intersection. This bridge will connect the existing trail to the northern section along Cinder Road, enhancing both safety and accessibility while encouraging greater use of the trail system.

The existing trail, built more than 20 years ago, has significantly deteriorated. Planned enhancements will bring the trail up to ADA standards and includes new pavement, trail markings, fitness stations, benches, and additional solar lighting consistent with prior improvements. These updates are aimed at increasing safety, supporting existing infrastructure, and promoting outdoor recreation and physical activity.

The Riverwalk Trail Restoration Project is part of the broader Gallinas River Park initiative, which seeks to create a vibrant community destination and gathering space for both residents and visitors. Beautification and infrastructure enhancements have been ongoing. In 2024, the City installed three decorative gateway arches between Independence Avenue and National Avenue, funded by a $50,000 grant from the T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program. A fourth arch is currently being fabricated for placement just beyond National Avenue. Robert Archuleta of Arch Consulting, LLC has also submitted an additional grant application to the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division in hopes to fund the final two arches leading up to Mills Avenue.

 Additional improvements include the installation of new electrical infrastructure to support maintenance and special events such as “Luces en El Río”, a popular winter holiday celebration for families and visitors. Lockable electrical outlets have been added for safety and are activated only through permitted use. Solar lighting has also been installed along parts of the trail using capital outlay funds, with more lighting planned to further improve visibility and safety.

The City of Las Vegas extends its sincere thanks to NMDOT Chairman Walter Adams and the entire District 4 staff for their continued partnership and support. This progress would not be possible without the leadership and dedication of Public Works Director Arnold Lopez and Public Works Manager Danny Gurule, as well as the successful grant writing efforts of Robert Archuleta of Arch Consulting, LLC. The City also acknowledges the ongoing support of the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments. Together, their efforts have been instrumental in securing funding and advancing this important community project.

Mayor David Romero, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Marvin Martinez, Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey, Councilman Michael Montoya, Councilman David Ulibarri, and City Manager Robert A. Anaya remain committed to developing and maintaining high-quality outdoor recreational spaces for the community. The City will continue working closely with its local, regional, and state partners to ensure the long-term success of the Gallinas River Park project.

10.9 Riverwalk Trail Funding-Final.pdf

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