Building future on foundation of history – Buffalo Soldier Street project in El Paso
The El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization's unanimous decision to allocate over $8.4 million in federal funding for the Buffalo Soldier Street Improvement Project is a landmark moment for our city.
It's a testament to El Paso's dedication to both honoring its past and forging a dynamic future. This project, a comprehensive revamp of Buffalo Soldier Road, will transform the area's infrastructure, enhancing safety and accessibility for everyone, especially visitors staying at nearby hotels.
This initiative is more than a fiscal reprieve; it's a bold statement of El Paso's commitment to progress and community welfare. The comprehensive scope of the project includes roadway reconstruction, parkway enhancements, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, street lighting, landscaping, irrigation, and new striping. It's set to address long-standing safety and accessibility issues and will serve as an example of the city's dedication to its residents and visitors.
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Acknowledging the community's role in this achievement is essential. The El Paso Hotel and Lodging Association and the Valley View Heights/Crest Hill/Cielo Vista Neighborhood Association have played crucial roles in advocating for these improvements and street renaming. Their efforts, recognizing the street's significance for tourism and its importance to hotel guests, have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. This is a prime example of how community engagement and collaboration can drive substantial change.
Parallel to the physical improvements, we celebrate the efforts to rename the street in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers. This journey began a decade ago with Fort Bliss renaming a section of the street and the installation of a monument, setting a precedent for honoring our history. The citywide renaming initiative, led by community leaders and financially supported by Former State Board of Education Member Georgina Perez and the El Paso Community Foundation, brings this effort to fruition. By doing so, we acknowledge the Buffalo Soldiers' integral role in El Paso's history, notably their bravery and service at Fort Bliss and their involvement in significant events like the pursuit of Pancho Villa into Mexico. The remains of over 40 Buffalo Soldiers are known to be buried at Concordia Cemetery.
Buffalo Soldiers were members of four regiments of Black soldiers who served on the frontier after the end of the Civil War and their story is one of courage and resilience. Their presence at Fort Bliss and contributions to the region's security and development during the 19th and 20th centuries shaped El Paso's cultural and societal fabric. Renaming this street in their honor ensures their legacy remains a living part of our city's daily life.
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The design phase of the Buffalo Soldier Street Improvement Project, commencing in 2025 with construction anticipated in fiscal year 2026-2027, represents more than infrastructure development. It reflects El Paso's resolve to build upon its history, creating a legacy for future generations. As we move forward with this project, let's draw inspiration from the Buffalo Soldiers' legacy of strength, resilience, and unity. Their story should guide us in making El Paso a place where history is not just remembered but actively shapes our community.
As Buffalo Soldier Road transforms, it reminds us of our responsibility to celebrate all aspects of our history, particularly those previously overlooked.
This project is a beacon of El Paso's commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the importance of honoring our past as we build our future. It's a significant win for District 3 and El Paso residents, achieved through united advocacy and vision, and represents a step forward in lessening the financial burden on our local taxpayers.
On behalf of District 3 residents, we thank the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization members for their vote in favor of funding improvements at Buffalo Soldier Road.
Cassandra Hernandez is city representative for District 3 on the El Paso City Council.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso's Buffalo Soldier Street project receives $8.4 million
