The El Paso City Council has approved a resolution that authorizes the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). This agreement aims to advance aerospace and defense manufacturing in the region as part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC).
With this decision, the City and UTEP become co-applicants in the federally funded initiative, enabling them to jointly carry out the BBBRC Award’s scope of work and manage $10 million in federal program funds.
Mayor Renard U. Johnson commented, “This is a major step toward shaping El Paso’s future as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation. By investing in our workforce and strengthening local supply chains, we’re opening doors to high-quality jobs, helping our small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, and positioning El Paso as a key player in industries that will define the next generation of economic opportunity.”
UTEP President Heather Wilson added, “We have been working closely with the City on this project since 2023. This change deepens our partnership so that we leverage our strengths for the long term ― even after this grant is complete. UTEP’s cutting-edge advanced manufacturing knowhow and aerospace research will continue to advance discovery, spin out companies and educate students ― all of which are important for economic impact. The City of El Paso will focus on working with companies and providing technical assistance as they develop. We are grateful to be leading this effort with El Paso.”
This agreement follows a significant federal investment that began in 2023, when the West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition—led by the City and UTEP—secured a $40 million award to boost aerospace and defense manufacturing in El Paso and integrate local small and medium-sized manufacturers into national supply chains.
Of the $40 million award, the City received $25 million to create the Advanced Manufacturing District at El Paso International Airport, providing space for aerospace and defense businesses and support services. UTEP was allocated $15 million for programming, supplier readiness, and technical assistance to help local manufacturers compete for contracts in advanced industries.
The City and UTEP are now set to manage the administration and oversight required by the BBBRC grant, aiming to strengthen regional manufacturing networks and deliver economic benefits for El Paso.
More information about the City’s Economic & International Development can be found at ElPasoEID.com.
