EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The El Paso City Council voted Tuesday to enter a nonbinding agreement in support of the proposed I-10 Deck Plaza Park, a controversial project that would build a deck over Interstate 10 in downtown El Paso.<\/p>\n
City representatives approved a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, that does not commit any money or funding to the project, but allows the city of El Paso, El Paso County, and the Deck Plaza Foundation to move forward on planning and funding options. <\/p>\n
However, the vote was not unanimous and came after lengthy public comments.<\/p>\n
City Rep. Lily Limon criticized the agreement, saying, \u201cThis MOU may not bind the city financially today, but it binds us to a naive, unrealistic dream.\u201d <\/p>\n
Limon added, \u201cThis gives the taxpayers a message that we are willing to gamble their hard-earned money on something that needs a miracle to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposed project would create a 6 1\/2-acre park over I-10 from Kansas Street to Santa Fe Street, including green space, playgrounds, and an outdoor amphitheater.<\/p>\n
The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation has estimated the cost of the plaza at more than $200 million, while critics have said the total cost will be closer to $400 million.<\/p>\n
El Paso resident Bruno Vasquez spoke in support of the agreement, saying, \u201cI support this MOU because it does something as straightforward and important.\u201d Vasquez also said, \u201cBecause contrary to what some believe, this is not a vanity project. It’s a way to grow our city’s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city’s approval comes just a day after El Paso County approved an MOU with County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, stating that staying part of the agreement keeps the county involved in decisions about the project.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we weren\u2019t participating in the MOU, the city could decide everything on their own, so we want to be at the table,\u201d Samaniego said.<\/p>\n
Samaniego said the MOU is a chance to pursue funding, including private dollars.<\/p>\n
The approval of the MOU also comes as TxDOT plans to rebuild a stretch of I-10 through downtown, from UTEP to just east of downtown.<\/p>\n
If leaders do not plan for the deck during that construction, it may not be possible to build it later.<\/p>\n
The next major decision point is funding for the \u201cfuture-proofing\u201d phase, which would prepare I-10 now so the deck plaza could be built later.<\/p>\n
The future-proofing phase could cost over $30 million.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso County signs nonbinding MOU to stay involved in I-10 deck plaza planning<\/a><\/p>\n