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County authorized to apply for federal BUILD funds to extend Bob Hope Drive; project scored favorable business case
Summary
The court authorized submission of a federal BUILD (BIL) grant application to fund construction of a 1.13‑mile Bob Hope Drive extension. Construction cost in the application is $32 million, total project cost $38 million; the county would provide a $13.2 million local contribution if awarded.
El Paso County on Jan. 27 authorized staff to submit a federal BUILD (formerly RAISE) grant application to fund construction of a 1.13‑mile extension of Bob Hope Drive.
Planning and Development Director Michael McElroy and grant staff described the project as a two‑lane‑each‑direction arterial with curb, median and shared‑use paths on both sides. The application covers $32 million in construction costs; the full project (including design and right‑of‑way) is estimated at $38 million. The county’s proposed local contribution is $13.2 million, proposed to be phased over three fiscal years (approximately $8.3M in FY26, $4.1M in FY27 and $0.8M in FY28) if the grant is awarded.
Technical partners prepared a benefit‑cost/business case analysis that the county presented to the court: Texas Transportation Institute estimated a 3.32 benefit ratio and projected reductions in vehicle miles traveled that generate travel‑time, fuel and emissions savings. Presenters told the court the awards are expected to be announced in June and emphasized that construction prices are rising; delaying the project could add roughly $1.5 million per year to the cost.
The court authorized submission of the application; Judge Ricardo Samaniego moved approval, and Commissioner O'Guin seconded. The motion carried on an open vote. County staff noted that if the grant is awarded, the court will return to consider acceptance and match funding sources before the project proceeds.
