School isn't far for the Rosales kids but it could be dangerous.

"There's a lot of kids that pass through here and a lot of parents that walk around here and they have to walk through the water, especially when it rains, it's really bad," said Jose Rosales.

Rosales said people are used to parking their vehicles where sidewalks should be, forcing kids and parents to walk on the streets sometimes.

He said he's lived in Socorro for 20 years and it's frustrating to see other, smaller cities make basic improvements.

"I seen San Eli, San Eli has sidewalks all over their additions. Thought maybe we would but we haven't," said Rosales.

The city of Socorro was granting state money for sidewalks. TxDOT approved about $3.5 million for Socorro for sidewalks in the neighborhoods connecting to all eight campuses. It's called the Safe Routes to School grant and this is the first time Socorro receives it.

"Here in Socorro, that's one of our biggest needs, in that we don't have any sidewalks in the city of Socorro within the community," said Socorro city representative Jesse Gandara.

Residents said they've been waiting long enough.

"You see kids walking on the streets and it could be better walking on the sidewalk and it would be safer for them," said Rosales.

A total of about $54.1 million will fund infrastructure or educational programs in local communities including El Paso and Horizon City.

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