Texas military bases to receive major infrastructure upgrades through new grant funding

Corpus Christi, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has announced over $17 million in grant funding to support critical infrastructure projects in Texas military communities. The grants, provided through the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s (TMPC) Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Texas’ military installations, enhance infrastructure, and protect jobs that could be affected by potential future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) processes.

Supporting the Military and the Economy

“America is the land of the free thanks to the brave,” Governor Abbott said in his announcement. He emphasized the importance of military installations in Texas, including the U.S. Army Futures Command headquarters and 15 other major military facilities. These installations are vital not only for the nation’s defense but also for Texas’ economy, contributing over $151 billion annually and supporting more than 677,000 jobs both directly and indirectly across the state.

“This $17 million in grant funding will help ensure these Texas military facilities are up-to-date with the latest technology and support their infrastructure,” Abbott added. He expressed gratitude to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for its dedication to keeping military communities strong and ensuring installations remain mission-ready.

Breakdown of DEAAG Grants

This new round of funding represents the second round of fiscal year 2024-2025 grants. Since 2015, the DEAAG program has awarded over $146 million to military communities, bolstering infrastructure, enhancing technology, and preserving military readiness. The following projects and communities have been awarded funding:

1. City of Copperas Cove:
   • Grant Amount: $5 million
   • Project: Fort Cavazos – Energy Resilience Storage System
   • The funds will support a system to ensure energy resilience for Fort Cavazos, strengthening power reliability and improving operational readiness.
2. City of Wichita Falls:
   • Grant Amount: $1 million
   • Project: Sheppard Air Force Base – Runway Strobe Light and Control Panel Replacement
   • This project involves replacing critical runway lighting and control systems, enhancing safety and operational efficiency for the base.
3. Ark-Tex Council of Governments:
   • Grant Amount: $5 million
   • Project: Red River Army Depot – Riverbend Water Resources District Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant
   • The funds will assist in modernizing the industrial wastewater treatment plant, supporting operations at Red River Army Depot and ensuring environmental sustainability.
4. City of Corpus Christi:
   • Grant Amount: $330,000
   • Project: Corpus Christi Army Depot – Condensate Return Station Replacement
   • This upgrade will improve energy efficiency and reliability at Corpus Christi Army Depot, one of the Army’s primary aviation maintenance hubs.
5. Tom Green County:
   • Grant Amount: $4.8 million
   • Project: Goodfellow Air Force Base – Defense Access Control Point (DACP)
   • The funding will support the construction of a new Defense Access Control Point to improve security and traffic flow into the base.
6. City of Corpus Christi:
   • Grant Amount: $988,000
   • Project: Corpus Christi Naval Air Station – Lift Station Modernization
   • This project will modernize critical wastewater infrastructure at the Naval Air Station, ensuring long-term reliability and environmental compliance.

Strengthening Military Communities Across Texas

The Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC), part of the Office of the Governor, plays a crucial role in advising Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature on defense-related issues. Its mission is to preserve and expand military assets, attract new missions, and encourage defense-related businesses to invest in Texas.

The commission is composed of 13 members, each serving staggered six-year terms and typically representing military installations in their local communities. By overseeing initiatives such as the DEAAG program, TMPC works to strengthen the infrastructure of military bases and ensure that these facilities remain integral to the nation’s defense strategy.

Ongoing Commitment to Texas Military Facilities

Governor Abbott’s announcement underscores Texas’ ongoing commitment to its military facilities and the communities that support them. The infrastructure upgrades funded through the DEAAG program are essential to maintaining the operational readiness, security, and environmental sustainability of these bases. Furthermore, the projects help safeguard Texas’ military installations from potential BRAC actions while simultaneously boosting the state’s economy and job market.

In his statement, Governor Abbott highlighted that the state will continue working with the Texas Legislature and the TMPC to ensure that Texas remains a leader in military preparedness and infrastructure development.

The awarded projects reflect Texas’ focus on energy resilience, environmental sustainability, enhanced security, and modernization of critical systems. These improvements not only support the functionality of military installations but also enhance the quality of life for those living and working in military communities.

For Texas’ military communities, this funding represents an investment in their long-term growth and stability. The infrastructure projects will create jobs, modernize facilities, and ensure that Texas remains a cornerstone of the nation’s defense strategy for years to come.

With over $17 million in grant funding now allocated for infrastructure improvements, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Military Preparedness Commission continue to prioritize military installations and the communities they serve. Through programs like DEAAG, Texas is ensuring that its military facilities remain cutting-edge, resilient, and mission-ready. As Governor Abbott stated, “We are proud to support our military heroes and their families while strengthening the foundation of defense in Texas.”

For more information about the Texas Military Preparedness Commission and the DEAAG program, visit the Office of the Governor’s website.