Lower 5 Plaza project loses $15M in federal funding, city officials confirm

“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.

Council members are expected to discuss the project again during an Aug. 19 meeting. During that meeting, city staff are expected to present feedback gathered from the community and council members may consider a resolution of support for the project.

About the project

The Lower 5 Plaza project, which would be located between East Virginia Street and Louisiana Street, plans for a bridge at ground level and a park that extends under SH 5. Project construction is expected to cost between $40 million-$45 million, according to a staff presentation in July.

Much of that would be funded by grants from the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the $15 million federal grant from USDOT. The city was expected to commit $3.35 million in local dollars to the project.

USDOT officials awarded $15 million to the project in March 2024 and an additional $65 million to three other projects across Dallas-Fort Worth.

Some context

City officials last discussed the Lower 5 Plaza project in July when Engineering Director Gary Graham presented an update. TxDOT had accelerated its schedule for reconstructing SH 5 between McMakin Street and Power House Street, according to the presentation.

As part of the reconstruction project, TxDOT is designing and constructing the Lower 5 Plaza bridge. SH 5 reconstruction was expected to start in 2028 or later, Graham said. TxDOT is now expecting to bid the project in late 2026 or early 2027, according to the presentation.

Right-of-way acquisition by TxDOT could begin later this year, according to the presentation. The project is expected to impact five properties, which would be purchased as part of the acquisition process.

Before the project can move forward, TxDOT is requesting a resolution of support from the council.

McKinney is expected to handle the final design and construction of the park once the bridge is built by TxDOT. The city hosted an open house July 30 to gather community feedback on the park elements that could be featured in the final project.

Notable quote

Mayor Bill Cox said he was disappointed when notified about the news. 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.”

Cox called the Lower 5 Plaza an important and viable project.

“Everybody needs to be able to enjoy all that McKinney offers and connecting two areas on both sides of [SH 5] is a good thing,” he said.

For more information on the project, visit www.mckinneytexas.org/2022/lower-5-plaza-project.