Senator César J. Blanco Announces Major Funding Secured For El Paso in State Budget

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
May 31, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Announces Major Funding Secured
For El Paso in State Budget
Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas Senate adopted the conference committee reports for Senate Bill
1 and House Bill 500, the General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Appropriations Act,
respectively.
Senator César J. Blanco voted for and applauded the passage of the appropriations acts, which
included over $146 million in funding he secured for local projects:
• $65 million to construct the Fox Cancer Center ($130 million to date)
• $50 million for the construction of a mental health facility
• $20 million for the Mining Engineering Program at UTEP
• $14 million for the El Paso Surface Water Augmentation Project
• $10 million for the I-10 Deck Park Plaza Project
• $8 million for UTEP to partner with NASA
• $7 million to replace the Wyler Aerial Tramway ($27 million to date)
• $5 million for the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
• $2 million for the preservation of the Rio Vista Farm National Historic Landmark
• $1 million for the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants
Senator César J. Blanco issued the following statement:
“I fought hard to make sure El Paso’s needs were front and center in this budget, and I’m proud of
what we delivered.
“This state budget makes bold, lasting investments in El Paso’s future. From cancer treatment and
mental health care to water infrastructure, UTEP, and food security, this funding reflects the
pocketbook issues working families care about.
“I want to thank Senate Finance Chair Joan Huffman and the budget conferees for their support in
securing these critical priorities. These investments are about making El Paso more affordable,
expanding opportunity, protecting our health and safety, and building for long-term growth. This
budget is a major win for our region, and I’m proud to have championed these efforts for our
community.”