Government
Lower 5 Plaza project loses $15M in federal funding The Lower 5 Plaza project no longer has access to $15 million in federal funding that was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, a city spokesperson confirmed via email. The funding was one of multiple commitments for the $45 million project, which was expected to move forward with a timeline accelerated by the Texas Department of Transportation earlier this year. City officials are evaluating next steps for the project. At a glance The Lower 5 Plaza is planned to be located between East Virginia Street and Louisiana Street, and includes a bridge at ground level and a park that extends under SH 5. The project is
incorporated into the planned reconstruction of SH 5 by the Texas Department of Transportation. The federal funding was withdrawn from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant program as part of the Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump in July. “We are actively working with City Council and our regional partners to assess the impact of this development on the project and to determine the most effective path forward,” the spokesperson said. Notable quote Mayor Bill Cox said he was disappointed when notified about the news, calling the Lower 5 Plaza an important and viable project. Council members, city staff and other agencies are working together to see what’s the next move, he said. “The project has momentum to be completed,” he said. “Lots of time and effort and energy has gone into getting the project where it is now and we’re going to explore all options just to make sure that maybe there’s other funding sources out there.”
The Lower 5 Plaza would span SH 5 between East Virginia Street and Louisiana Street.
RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF MCKINNEY
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