City Officials: 5 El Paso streets in ‘critical condition’ need to be repaired

El Paso City Council representatives approved a list of capital fund projects totaling $76,735,148.

The City is now working to find funding sources for those six projects, which include five streets city officials said are in need of critical repairs. Mayor Dee Margo told his fellow council members it was time to stop kicking the can down the road and make sure these projects are completed.

The money will be used to move forward with aquatic centers in Districts 1 and 4. The City wants to make sure MPO funding matches are in place for fiscal year 2019. City officials said some sidewalks and crosswalks need be repaired for safety. Money is also earmarked for other public safety improvements.

The five streets in need of critical repair are: Hawkins, Brian Ray, Railroad, Schuster and Ted Houghton.

The money will also be used to stabilize the Tom Lea Slope which has been damaged by erosion.

“There is a safety component to make sure that no debris falls off of that slope onto the public. We’ve done some stopgap measures that we are going to be implementing that will get up through the next rainy season. But we definitely need to start the design for a permanent solution on that project,” said city engineer Sam Rodriguez.

Mayor Dee Margo said the city will first use cash on hand and other savings. If that money runs out, city staff would then have to come back to Council to issue Certificates of Obligation.

The street repairs are scheduled to begin in 2019.