EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso community leaders launched a new campaign on Wednesday aimed at inviting the community to learn more about the process of building a downtown deck plaza over Interstate 10.

The community-driven effort, called Elevate the 10, is led by the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and is designed as a multi-year engagement campaign to involve residents through community meetings, neighborhood events, videos, and digital outreach.

Campaign organizers say the goal is to highlight progress and build alignment around a shared vision for the city’s future, emphasizing that the project is intended as a regional investment rather than only a downtown initiative.

“Elevate the 10 is about inviting every El Pasoan into this moment,” said Tracy Yellen, president of the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and CEO of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. “It asks us to imagine what’s possible when you cap a highway and it becomes a main gathering space for the entire community – providing green space, culture, and connections. This campaign is about pride, progress, and building something that will shape the future of El Paso.”

The proposed Deck Plaza project aims to revitalize the downtown area by constructing a deck over I-10 with a 6.5-acre park and destination.

Supporters say it would be built as TxDOT prepares to reconstruct I-10 in the downtown corridor, an approach they say could help avoid higher costs later.

“The Deck Plaza represents a transformative opportunity for downtown El Paso and the entire region,” said Joe Gudenrath, executive director of the Downtown Management District. “We’re already seeing momentum with new businesses, residents, and investments choosing downtown. The Deck Plaza will accelerate that growth while creating the kind of vibrant public space that makes cities truly great places to live, work, and gather. This is how El Paso competes for talent and investment in the 21st century.”

Project backers cite projections that the Deck Plaza would generate approximately $310 million in economic activity during construction, including $100 million in wages and new local and county sales tax revenue. Over the long term, the project could generate an additional $660 million in economic activity, supporters say, while contributing to job growth, business development, and increased property values.

Campaign organizers said the project has secured $74.5 million in funding commitments, including $10 million from the Texas Legislature, $25 million from the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, $3.15 million in federal Community Project Funding, $1 million from the County of El Paso, and $35 million in private philanthropy.

“The Deck Plaza has already secured $74.5 million in funding commitments from partners at every level, including federal, state, county, and private philanthropy. The Deck Plaza is estimated to cost $207 million, and because TxDOT is preparing to reconstruct I-10 in the downtown corridor, we have a unique opportunity to build the project at the same time and avoid significantly higher costs in the future. This investment will reconnect our community and create a signature public space for generations to come,” said Nicholette Ruiz, communications and engagement lead for the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation.

Last November, the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board advanced its recommendation for $25 million for the deck plaza.

Additionally, El Paso County previously voted last June to contribute $1 million toward the design of the proposed downtown deck plaza.

The design phase, estimated to cost $20 million, will also receive $1 million from the City of El Paso and $10 million from state funding.

The remaining $8 million is expected to come from a grant that has yet to be approved

According to agenda documents, the project is estimated to cost about $206 million; however, once the design is finalized, it will reveal a more accurate total cost. The design is expected to be done by Fall 2026.

Meanwhile, campaign organizers said residents can sign up for updates, view a calendar of events, and provide input on desired park activities here.

More information is available here, and updates are also posted on the Downtown Deck Plaza’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

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