EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County has approved additional funding for the Pellicano Drive Widening Project, according to a news release on Thursday, July 31.
The County said that on Monday, July 28, the Commissioners Court formally approved one of the key agreements necessary to resume construction on this major infrastructure project, which would extend from Loop 375 to Darrington Road in East El Paso.
The approved action authorizes the county judge to sign the Fifth Amendment to the Interlocal VRF Project Development Agreement with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA), according to the County.
Through this amendment, the County authorizes the use of $6 million in vehicle registration fee (VRF) general funds to address a funding shortfall in the completion of phase 1 of the project — specifically the westbound segment between Aircoupe and Loop 375, according to the news release.
The County said that in addition to the new funding, the agreement outlines terms for future claims recovery from the project’s surety company, including recovery of the use of these VRF funds.
This comes after the U.S. Bankruptcy Court had ruled in the CRRMA’s favor, upholding the agency’s default of the original contractor, J.A.R. Construction, Inc., for failing to meet contract obligations, according to the County.
The County said that the ruling was a major turning point, paving the way for the project to move forward, now with a phased construction plan.
“The County’s commitment remains focused on responsibly advancing the project while protecting taxpayer interests and minimizing further delays,” read the news release.
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