EL PASO- Texas (KFOX14/CBS4)- A proposed deck plaza over Interstate 10 in downtown El Paso that supporters say could add major green space and new community amenities is facing a multimillion-dollar funding gap as city leaders approach key deadlines tied to the I-10 reconstruction.

City officials say the first phase of the Downtown Deck Plaza project is expected to cost $43 million, with a key deadline set for October 2026.

The city is expected to discuss a nonbinding agreement with El Paso County and the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation on Tuesday.

The agreement would coordinate early planning and keep the deck plaza project on track alongside the county’s already scheduled I-10 reconstruction.

Plans for the deck plaza include “a lot of green space, an outdoor amphitheater, field house, dog park, children’s playground and so much more,” said Nicole Brice, the communications and public engagement lead for the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation.

The first critical phase, described as “future-proofing,” is expected to cost $43 million.

According to the campaign deck foundation figures shown in a graphic, $22.5 million, or 52%, in federal funding has been secured.

The project also requires a $6 million local match, and a $14.5 million funding gap remains.

RELATED: El Paso seeks $2.4M in federal funding for proposed Downtown Deck Plaza project

In March, Brice addressed concerns about taxpayer costs, saying, “Our goal is to fund the project through a mix of public and private resources. And we’re going to keep applying for as many grants as we can.”

Last month, Mayor Renard Johnson, in a statement, called the project “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform a highway divide into a community connection. As I-10 is rebuilt, leaders say they are working to reconnect neighborhoods and create new public space, while keeping the vision alive for future generations.”

Some residents said they like the idea of a new community space but still have questions about how it would be paid for.

While critics say the project would not only destroy historic neighborhoods in the area, but might also cause years of unknown issues.

Project backers have said three things would need to align for the project to move forward: secured funding, financial capacity, and final agreements between the county and city.

The full project could exceed $200 million, with final costs expected after design is completed in fall 2026.

City Council is expected to discuss the deck plaza and possible funding during its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 14th.

RELATED: Elevate the 10 campaign launched to build community input for downtown deck plaza

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