More funding approved for Route 66 Center, but questions remain

A previous version of this article misstated two positions as executive level.

The Route 66 Visitor Center tiptoed closer to a grand opening last week after the Board of Bernalillo County Commissioners unanimously approved a $250,000 appropriation.

However, during the April 22 meeting, the board raised questions about the project’s future and feasibility. Commissioner Frank Baca, whose district includes the visitor center, brought the proposal forward, arguing that moving the center closer to opening would benefit the entire region.

“I don’t know how that’s going to get done, and I don’t quite know if it will get done, but I do think that there is a potential for it to get done,” Frank Baca said.

State, county and city dollars funded the $14 million, 21,000-square-foot facility in 2022. It is meant to serve as a convention center and host concerts, cultural performances, community programs and private events. Initially in the county’s domain, the commission voted unanimously to give the center to the city of Albuquerque in February 2024.

Some events, such as the Route 66 West Fest this month, have used the center. But it hasn’t fully opened.

Bernalillo County Economic Development Director Marcos Gonzales told the commission the city was close to hiring two positions, manager and event coordinator. Once complete, he said the goal is for the center to start public programming in June on Thursdays through Sundays.

Albuquerque Arts and Culture Department Deputy Director Diego Lucero said there are still issues with the facility, including “some fire suppression issues.”

“It’s taken us a little while to get up and running,” Lucero said.

As much as the commission worried about operating the center, concerns about the county’s financial situation ultimately led to a reduction in the initial proposal.

Frank Baca’s proposed measure would’ve sent $750,000 over three years. However, Commissioner Barbara Baca argued that the county’s budget was in a tight spot and that spending that much money over three years was not the right move.

“I really do feel like we need to be careful with our general fund monies when we have before us people that are living on the streets, and we’re talking about, where are we going to get money for housing and homelessness?” Barbara Baca said. “And giving $750,000 for three years and tying us down to that when we don’t know the answer to those kinds of questions, is a concern.”

Barbara Baca requested that the commission limit the money to a single disbursement this year and Frank Baca ultimately supported it.

Tuesday’s vote is not the final decision on the matter. County rules dictate that most proposals must be heard and voted on twice before being implemented.