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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar announced the inclusion of $2 million in federal funding for two local projects in the Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Appropriations bill.

Specifically, the Committee approved $1 million in federal funding for the Paso Del Norte Trail project by the City of El Paso, and $1 million for the Casitas Community project by the El Paso Center for Children.

The Paso Del Norte Trail model infrastructure project would create a water-front shared-use path along the Franklin Canal from the entrance of El Paso Zoo to Tobin Place, prioritizing connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a safe recreation space, and creating a community amenity to drive ecotourism while promoting sustainable development. Additionally, the project would utilize green infrastructure design elements to reduce urban flooding exacerbated by climate change.

The Casitas Community housing project would address homelessness for those who are in the ages of 18-24 in the El Paso region by allowing the El Paso Center for Children to acquire land and build a 15-unit tiny home community, giving young adults access to short or long-term housing while also surrounding them with staff and counselors. 

“Federal funding is a reflection of our values, and the inclusion of these two critical community projects in the appropriations process reaffirms my commitment to improving El Pasoans’ quality of life and help provide housing support for the vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I am proud to have secured funding for the Paso Del Norte Trail project, which would utilize green infrastructure to give residents access to a walking trail and active lifestyle, and the Casitas Community project, which would provide a housing options and services to vulnerable homeless youth – placing them on a path to long-term success.”

“We continuously strive to improve the quality of life in our wonderful City of El Paso. Connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists is a central part of that effort, as is establishing multi-modal transportation options for our citizens,” said El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser. “This funding is crucial for this project. In addition, it will be developed using green infrastructure, which will aid in our ecotourism initiatives. We thank Congresswoman Escobar for her hard work in advancing it.”

"This is a critical opportunity to replicate innovative tiny home communities that have provided opportunities for youth who needed some help to become fully independent," said Beth Senger, CEO of El Paso Center for Children. "We work with youth who are unable to access a home to live in, many due to layoffs that occurred during the pandemic and some because of other challenging life circumstances. Every human being needs to be treated with dignity and respect. With Congresswoman Escobar's support in securing this appropriation, El Paso's Casitas Community will be a life-changing step forward for our young adult residents."

The FY22 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Appropriations bill is expected to advance to the floor for a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives this week. The legislation must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Joe Biden before funds can be distributed.

More information about the Community Project Funding requests to the Appropriations Committee and Congresswoman Escobar submitted requests can be found here.