REQUESTING THE STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION AND THE STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT TO MAKE THE INTERSTATE 40-COORS BOULEVARD INTERCHANGE PROJECT A PRIORITY.

WHEREAS, the interstate 40-Coors boulevard interchange improvement project was scheduled to begin immediately after the interstate 40-Carlisle project, but was delayed by the reconstruction project known as the "Big I" project; and

WHEREAS, residential and commercial development west of the Rio Grande has been heavy in recent years, including the development of large retail stores and projected development of retail stores that draw heavy vehicular traffic; and

WHEREAS, drivers traveling west on interstate 40 to northbound Coors boulevard who wish to exit Coors boulevard into a large retail outlet face a difficult task as they try to cross several lanes of traffic; and

WHEREAS, Coors boulevard is the only north-south arterial that crosses Bernalillo county on the west side of the Rio Grande, providing the only convenient, efficient means of transportation for residents and visitors to and from work, shopping, business activities and recreational activities; and

WHEREAS, work on the interstate 40-Coors boulevard interchange has been delayed until later this decade;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state highway commission and the state highway and transportation department be requested to expedite the construction of the interstate 40-Coors boulevard interchange improvement project; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state highway commission and the secretary of highway and transportation.