Finance committee approves $260,000 state capital outlay grant for Shelby Street pedestrian bridge

The Santa Fe Finance Committee voted Feb. 9 to approve a $260,000 capital outlay grant agreement with the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to reconstruct the Shelby Street pedestrian bridge.

Public Works project manager Scott Overley told the committee the replacement is more complex than a straightforward bridge swap because the bridge sits within a historic district and was designated a contributing structure. That designation requires salvage and matching of materials and an archaeological review during demolition and construction, he said. Overley also said the current structure is not ADA compliant and the replacement will be wider and longer to meet accessibility requirements.

Councilor Castro moved approval; Councilor Garcia seconded. The committee approved the grant and the accompanying budget amendment by roll call vote.

Why it matters: the grant funds demolition and new construction for project 25-J5984 with a reversion date of April 11, 2027, and will allow the city to proceed with design and procurement while accounting for historic preservation and accessibility. Staff said a prefabricated structure will be used where feasible to control costs, but engineering and on‑site archaeology add time and expense.

What happens next: staff will proceed with procurement and coordinate required historic‑district and archaeological work as part of the project delivery.