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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $900,000 in funding to the City of El Paso for a design study for the I-10 Deck Park through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.

Congress provided the $1 billion for these FY21 RAISE grants in the appropriations omnibus last December, and Congresswoman Escobar has met with top DOT officials to advocate for the I-10 Deck Park.  

“Today, El Paso moves closer toward the goal of expanding our green spaces and creating a public gathering space for all,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I am proud to have advocated to secure this critical investment as our nation focuses on rebuilding our infrastructure – including roads and bridges – creating good-paying jobs, and mitigating the impact of climate change.”

The RAISE grant program provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. In each annual competition, DOT receives hundreds of applications to build and repair critical pieces of the nation’s transportation networks. The RAISE grant program enables DOT to examine these projects on their merits to help ensure that taxpayers are getting the highest value for every dollar invested.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congresswoman Escobar voted for on November 5, 2021 and President Joe Biden signed into law on November 15, 2021, provides $1.5 billion for more RAISE grants every year for the next five years – unlocking more federal funding to help communities across the country build stronger and more sustainable infrastructure to support our economy.