On March 15, 2022 President Biden signed the FY 2022 spending bill into law, including $1,000,000 for the Paso del Norte Trail. This funding will be used to create a model infrastructure project that prioritizes connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, provides safe recreation space, and creates a community amenity to drive ecotourism while promoting sustainable development. The project is intended to catalyze development along the Franklin Canal between Downtown El Paso and Ascarate Park.
This project is a collaborative effort with support from the El Paso Zoo, El Paso County Water Improvement District #1, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Medical Center of the Americas (MCA), Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC), the City of El Paso, and neighborhood residents.