This is your weekly news roundup, which takes a quick look at some developments in government, politics, education, environment and other topics across El Paso.
Airport, Sun Metro Among Federal Funding Recipients
The city of El Paso received more than $2 million through the Community Project Funding appropriations packages for fiscal year 2024, earmarked for three initiatives. Projects include:
Sun Metro Micro Transit: $720,000 to purchase a fleet of electric micro-transit vehicles, along with necessary charging infrastructure and auxiliaries.
Terminal Bridge Reconstruction: $850,000 for the design and reconstruction of the Terminal Bridge, the primary exit from El Paso International Airport.
Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS): $500,000 will support the BOSS program, a comprehensive business services center offering education, technical and legal assistance, and customized financial products for small and micro business owners, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors.
The funding was announced this week by El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar. This initiative allows U.S. House members to allocate funds to projects for state, local or tribal governments, as well as eligible nonprofits.
A student checks a campus map at El Paso Community College’s Valle Verde campus on Oct. 26. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
UTEP, EPCC Summer Registration Open
Registration continues for summer sessions online and in-person at the University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College.
UTEP’s Summer I courses are scheduled from June 10 through July 9, while Summer II starts July 10 and concludes Aug. 7. A UTEP spokesman said that summer enrollment is slightly up over last year, and that the university has some summer financial aid for qualified students.
“Enrolling in summer courses offers students a valuable opportunity to stay on track with their academic goals,” said Amanda Vasquez-Vicario, UTEP vice president of Enrollment Management. “Summer classes offer students the ability to balance academic course loads throughout the year and allow continuous focus on their academic pursuits.”
Most of EPCC’s summer courses last either 10 weeks (Summer) or five weeks (Summer I or Summer II). Summer and Summer I classes start June 3. Summer I finals are July 5. Summer II courses begin July 8. Finals for Summer and Summer II are Aug. 8-9. The college also offers a limited number of “Jump Start” and “Late Start” courses that run from June 10 through July 11-12, and from June 17 through Aug. 8-9, respectively.
“For students who just graduated from high school, starting college in the summer is a great opportunity to begin their college experience,” said Keri Moe, associate vice president of External Relations, Communication and Development at EPCC. “Registering for summer courses also allows students to maintain momentum on their studies and accelerate their academic progress, which could potentially shorten their time to degree completion and keeps them academically engaged.”
Triple-Digit Heat Arrives, More Hot Days Ahead
El Paso experienced its first day of triple-digit heat this year Tuesday, May 28, about two weeks earlier than last year’s first 100-degree day, which marked the hottest year on record. According to the National Weather Service, triple-digit heat is not expected during the weekend.
However, sunny, 100-degree days are forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Light winds are anticipated until Sunday, when gusts could reach up to 21 miles per hour. There is no chance of rain through at least Saturday, according to the NWS. As of May 30, El Paso has received only 0.81 inches of rain, about half the typical rainfall amount for this time of year.
The post El Paso receives $2 million in federal funds for key projects; UTEP, EPCC summer registration open appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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