Deck Plaza project tops $74M after $250K donation, but $165M gap remains

Deck Plaza project tops $74M after $250K donation, but $165M gap remains by Mark Baugh Tue, November 10, 2026 at 8:01 AM 4 VIEW ALL PHOTOS Deck Plaza Credit: KFOX14/CBS4 Comment on this story 1 Comment Share story Share topics: El Paso Downtown Deck Plaza FirstLight Credit Union TxDOT Interstate 10 Veterans Walk Funding gap Private donations EL PASO, Texas - (KFOX14/CBS4) — A $250,000 donation from FirstLight Credit Union is adding momentum to El Paso’s Downtown Deck Plaza project, but backers still face a major funding gap as planning continues alongside a future rebuild of Interstate 10. With FirstLight’s contribution, the project has more than $74 million committed so far. The overall price tag for the Deck Plaza is about $239 million, leaving roughly $165 million without a commitment. Critics have raised concerns about potential impacts to taxpayers. RELATED: Hunt family commits $10M for indoor sports venue at planned downtown El Paso deck plaza FirstLight President and CEO Margie Salazar said private support can reduce that burden. “The more that private partners can contribute to the project, then the less impact that has on taxpayers,” Salazar said. FirstLight’s $250,000 gift is designated for a Veterans Walk, one of several planned amenities at the 6.5-acre park. The project’s estimated cost includes $207 million for design and construction, plus another $32 million for TxDOT retaining walls. Funding committed so far includes $35 million in private donations for park amenities, along with state, federal and county funding. About $165 million remains without a commitment. The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation said it is looking for avenues to limit the impact on taxpayers. Tracy Yellen, president of the foundation, said early commitments are drawing attention beyond the region. “We have this level of commitment from individuals, families, corporations, foundations to begin to name spaces, to begin to make this vision into something real. I think that the rest of Texas and other communities are taking notice of the success that we've had so early in the project,” Yellen said. The plaza is being planned alongside a major I-10 rebuild in the downtown corridor. TxDOT is expected to start work on the I-10 project in 2028, whether or not the Deck Plaza moves forward. RELATED: Fred Loya family pledges $20M to El Paso deck plaza, project renamed in their honor Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox. NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 4 NEW Deck Plaza project tops $74M after $250K donation, but $165M gap remains 3 EPISD trustees question whether $4.5M in health insurance relief will help all employees 5 Supreme Court rules 8-1 to restart Big Bend border wall work despite lawsuit 3 Doña Ana County judge orders pretrial testimony recorded in ex-NMSU player case