El Paso County Approves $1M for Downtown Deck Plaza Design

El Paso County Commissioners Court approved spending $1 million from certificates of obligation to support the design phase of the proposed Downtown Deck Park Plaza, a project aimed at revitalizing downtown by building a deck over part of Interstate 10 to reconnect neighborhoods. The voting was close at 3-2, with some commissioners expressing concern about the allocation amid budget cuts to county departments, while others hailed the project as a significant opportunity for community development. The total design phase is estimated at $20 million, with additional funding expected from the City of El Paso, state sources, and grants, although some grant funding is not yet secured. The initiative originated from TxDOT’s Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study and has received federal and foundation support, emphasizing public desires for green space, cultural programming, and improved connectivity. The project's timing is critical to align with a planned TxDOT highway widening starting in 2027, making swift decisions necessary to integrate the plaza structure. This project aims to transform downtown El Paso by connecting uptown and downtown areas, potentially enhancing the urban landscape and community access.