By Jackie Butler
Over the past four years, El Paso County has been able to invest in improvements that have enhanced the quality of life for all El Pasoans. Alongside these investments, our community has also faced numerous unprecedented challenges.
Yet, time and time again, El Paso has demonstrated its resilience, showing that when we come together — across all levels of government — we can overcome adversity and achieve great things.
Building on progress requires initiative, intentional effort and funding. A crucial partner in El Paso’s success during this time has been the federal government. Under the Biden administration and thanks to the advocacy of our congressional representatives, increased federal funding has helped address critical needs in our community.
But with a potential change in leadership and a new Trump administration on the horizon, I am concerned that El Paso may see a decrease in federal support.
Federal data shows that El Paso received roughly $1.8 billion in federal grant funding during President Biden’s administration. These funds have been essential in enhancing countywide projects in transportation and transit, expanding health care, and responding to emergencies such as the influx of migrants in our community.
The $1.8 billion in grants does not include the $163 million in American Rescue Plan funding received by El Paso County to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, El Paso has benefitted from transformative appropriations and investments in infrastructure, including a $600 million federal commitment to modernizing the Bridge of the Americas land port of entry, and $700 million for a new VA hospital, projects that will significantly strengthen the health and economic prosperity of our region.
Educational investments have been equally impressive, with $237 million in federal funding through the Department of Education — nearly $50 million more than in President Trump’s first term.
In contrast, during President Trump’s first administration, El Paso County received around $1.4 billion in federal funding, about 23% less than what we received under President Biden, or down 8% when adjusted for inflation. That reduction was felt across critical programs, and we should expect that similar cuts could return under a second Trump administration.
President Trump’s rhetoric and policy proposals, including a potential 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and a vow to dismantle the Department of Education, signal that El Paso could lose vital federal support and funding under his leadership. These potential changes could strain our economy and stall the progress we’ve made in so many areas.
While we may not feel the full impact of cuts in federal funding immediately, the reality is that, in the coming years, they will likely hit home. And when they do, it will be harder for El Paso County and other organizations to meet the growing needs and expectations of our community.
As El Paso faces this uncertainty, I am committed to ensuring that we don’t face these challenges alone. As county commissioner for Precinct 1, I will work tirelessly to anticipate and mitigate the impact of these potential federal shortfalls on our community and taxpayers.
The key to overcoming these hurdles will be collaboration — working together with El Paso’s exceptional leaders at the city, state, and federal levels, and in partnership with the private and philanthropic sectors.
Recent years have proven that, even in the face of uncertainty, El Paso can continue to make progress when we unite and invest strategically. What sets El Paso apart is our deep sense of resilience and our ability to work together toward a common goal. I have no doubt that we will continue to make progress — regardless of what lies ahead.
Jackie Butler is El Paso County commissioner for Precinct 1.
The post Opinion: Federal support vital to El Paso’s growth and resilience appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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