In 2014, Preservation Texas added Oñate's Crossing at Harts Mill and Old Ft. Bliss to its annual list of Texas' Most Endangered Places.  The description lists the site as, "a tract of land on the Rio Grande in El Paso [that] holds archaeological and architectural evidence of many layers of history.  From the 1598 crossing of Juan de Oñate along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, to the development of Simeon Hart's Mill in the 1850's, to the construction of adobe officers quarters at Old Fort Bliss between 1878-93, the story of colonial settlement and subsequent development in Texas can be told here."  The citation continues, describing the ongoing "modern intrusions," that have "obscured this history," including everything from highway ramps and roads, river channelization and building modifications, to the border fence installed by the Department of Homeland Security, and plans currently underway for highway improvements.  Each of these "modern intrusions," combined with the neglect and urban decay of the site and structures have contributed to the overall change in the cultural landscape and led to the need for protection and historic rehabilitation.

If a second cycle of funding is granted, award will be used to assist with costs related to Phase II's Historic Structures Report (HSR) and Cultural Landscape Report (CLR).  These documents are crucial in obtaining protections and designations on behalf of the endangered historic site at both the state and federal level.  The award will also be used to begin development of Phase III, a Masterplan focusing on historic rehabilitation and future public use of the site, and strengthen the ongoing, productive partnership shared by the County of El Paso and National Park Service.

** It is important to note that this funding opportunity has not yet been posted to the grants.gov website.  Per NPS staff, deadline for application submissions may be set for January 26, 2019.  Pending the longevity of the federal government shutdown, this date may change.  Application is prepared to be submitted with great caution, attention to postings and deadlines,and potential for change.**

An account will be set up at the time the grant is awarded and approved by Commissioners Court.  If approved, the application will include a $10,000 competitive match.  Funding is available in:

SR-TOURPROM-OPS CONTINGENCIES

COSR-6014-0000000-431-70-70000-0001-00000-690000-

Pending budget transfers to appropriate object code.