Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has announced $15.4 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects in military communities from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission's Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program. These grants will be used to support military installations in Texas and protect jobs in military communities that may be impacted in any future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

Texas is home to 15 major military installations and the headquarters of Army Futures Command, which together contribute over $114 billion to the state's economy and support more than 622,000 direct and indirect jobs. Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of these installations and the men and women serving on them, stating, "their missions are critical for national defense." He thanked the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for their ongoing service and expressed his commitment to ensuring that these installations continue to offer unmatched military value.

Since 2015, Governor Abbott has awarded over $129 million in grants to military communities through the DEAAG program. The grants for the FY 2024-2025 period have been allocated to the following entities:

- City of Harker Heights: $5 million for the Fort Cavazos - Railhead Energy Resiliency Project

- Val Verde County: $3.6 million for the Laughlin Air Force Base - Construction of Aircraft Sunshades

- TexAmericans Center: $1.5 million for the Red River Army Depot - Enhanced Logistics Capabilities

- City of Fort Worth: $300,000 for the Naval Air Station Fort Worth - Anti-Terrorism Protection Security System

- City of El Paso: $4.5 million for the McGregor Range - Booster Station Replacement Project

- McMullen County: $464,286.21 for the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi - Relocatable Over The Horizon Radar (ROTHR) Road Access Project

The Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC) in the Office of the Governor advises the Governor and the Texas Legislature on defense and military issues. Its goal is to preserve, protect, expand, and attract new military missions, assets, and installations in Texas. The TMPC also encourages defense-related businesses to expand or relocate in the state. The commission is composed of 13 members serving staggered terms, typically representing an installation in their community.

These grants will contribute to the continued growth and development of Texas military communities, ensuring their readiness and ability to support national defense efforts.

Click this link to access more information: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-15.4-million-in-grants-to-texas-military-communities