Commissioners approve multiple victim-service grants, authorize BUILD application and support NAACP convention funding
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Summary
The court approved several state and federal grant applications for victim services and elections equipment, authorized submission for a $25M BUILD transportation grant for Bob Hope Drive, and gave direction to proceed with a $20,000 HOT grant agreement for the NAACP state convention pending further contract details.
The El Paso County Commissioners Court approved a package of grant actions and project authorizations on Feb. 9, including victim-assistance grants, election technology funding, heritage tourism support and a transportation grant submission.
Grants approved/authorized in open session included: the Protective Order Court’s Office of the Governor VAWA-related grant application ($243,865.39 with a county match of $104,513.74); County Attorney victim assistance application ($167,053.60 with $41,763.40 match); District Attorney victim assistance application ($470,430.27 with match $115,378.66); Domestic Relations Office general victim assistance grant ($141,258.03 with $43,200 match); Elections Department acceptance of a Help America Vote Act election security award ($52,000, match $10,400) to purchase updated ballot scanners/tabulators; and the Sheriff’s Office application for victim services ($178,050.60, match $44,512.65). Court motions carried for these items.
On transportation, Public Works presented the Bob Hope Drive project — a 1.3-mile segment intended to close a gap between Sac and Mission Ridge — with an estimated cost of roughly $37.3 million. The county sought the maximum BUILD grant award of $25 million; the remainder (about $12.3M plus estimated right-of-way costs of about $7M) would require county financing or other sources. Design is reportedly 95% complete and environmental work will resume if the grant is awarded. Commissioners authorized staff to submit the BUILD application and pursue supplemental funding options.
Economic development presented a $20,000 hotel occupancy tax (HOT) request for the NAACP Texas State Convention (Oct. 2026). Staff and NAACP representatives described anticipated attendance (350–500), hotel arrangements and associated heritage partnerships; commissioners asked staff to return with contract details on the regular agenda before final disbursement.
Separately, Economic Development reported successful heritage tourism programming tied to a Smithsonian 'Museum on Main Street' traveling exhibit that boosted local visitation and partnerships along the Mission Trail, and staff explained that hosting the Smithsonian exhibit helped build capacity for future cultural programming.
The court moved on all votes and directed staff to bring draft agreements and eligible expense detail for the NAACP HOT award and to pursue federal and congressional project funding where appropriate.