The I-10 Deck Plaza in Downtown El Paso is one step closer to becoming a reality.
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, the El Paso City Council approved a $750,000 in matching funds to be paid to the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization as part of its application for funding for the I-10 Deck Plaza Design Project.
The application for the $10 million grant from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration requires a 50% match, which is being met by a collaboration of local partners — the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is overseeing this year’s application, provided $3.75 million, El Paso County contributed $1 million and the Deck Plaza Foundation has kicked in $250,000.
The city’s portion will be pulled from the city Impact Fund, which is fueled by fees paid by El Paso Electric Company.
The project is estimated to cost the city $207 million, and the final product will be owned by the Texas Department of Transportation.
“The transformational project is designed to reconnect neighborhoods historically separated by 1-10 to enhance livability, provide economic opportunity, (add) green space, hike/bike trails and other recreational amenities, and celebrate the region’s rich heritage and culture,” the city wrote on Instagram alongside an image emblazoned with the words “Downtown Deck Plaza approved.”