CAMPAIGN STATUS: DECISION HOLDER:
Millions of public and private funds will be used for the El Paso Deck Plaza
Learn more about this campaign:
What is the issue?
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PDNCF)/Paso del Norte Health Foundation (PDNHF) is fundraising with both public and private money for the $412 million deck park (aka “deck plaza”) that will go over the freeway in the downtown area. The City is considering contributing $35 million.
The County has contributed $1 million. The state delegation (State Senator Blanco and the state reps) gave $10 million, and PDNCF has asked TXDOT for another $10 million. U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (Dist. 16) has also requested $5 million of federal funding for the deck park.
Why does it matter?
So far, none of these entities have offered any money for environmental projects in the Sembrando Esperanza Coalition neighborhoods, which were among the neighborhoods that were impacted by I-10’s displacement of thousands of Black and Brown families and vibrant businesses in the 1950s and 60s. Today, the neighborhoods closest to I-10, including Sembrando Esperanza neighborhoods, face some of the worst levels of pollution, heat, dust and flood risk. The Deck Park will not address any of these issues.
Who decides and when?
The State, City, and County have not announced any additional deadlines regarding the Deck Park. We will continue to be on the lookout for votes especially in regards to funding.
What can we do?
We will be launching our Deck Park campaign soon. Please stay tuned.