Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 26 that more than $26 million in grant funding will be distributed to Texas military communities for infrastructure projects through the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant program.
The funding aims to improve infrastructure and support at military installations across the state, which officials say is important for both community stability and national defense readiness. The grants are intended to help protect jobs in areas with military facilities, especially as future decisions about base realignment or closure could impact these communities.
“Texas is home to over 1.7 million veterans and active duty, reserve personnel, and their families,” Abbott said. “These funds will help ensure Texas military facilities, including our 15 major military installations, are up-to-date with the latest technology to enhance the safety and well-being of Texans and Americans by increasing water access and equipment resiliency. I thank the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for their continued service in supporting our servicemembers so that we can best prepare our state to defend its critical infrastructure.”
The first round of fiscal year 2026-2027 grants brings total awards since 2015 under this program to more than $172 million. Recipients include Ark-Tex Council of Governments ($5 million) for Red River Army Depot’s small unmanned aircraft systems requirements; Bell County ($4.5 million) for Fort Hood’s aquifer storage system; City of El Paso ($4 million) for increased water production at Fort Bliss; Val Verde County ($5 million) for airfield lighting modernization at Laughlin Air Force Base; City of Corpus Christi (over $3 million combined) for wastewater pipe replacement at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and water generation units at Corpus Christi Army Depot; and City of San Antonio ($5 million) partnering on renovations at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
The Texas Military Preparedness Commission advises the Governor and Legislature on defense issues with a focus on preserving existing missions while attracting new ones, according to the official website. The commission consists of 13 members serving staggered six-year terms representing various installations around the state.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott has led his office since being elected in 2014 from primary offices based in Austin’s State Insurance Building. Under his leadership, Texas has seen growth in job creation, economic opportunities, education improvements, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment regarding schooling choices, as well as efforts toward southern border security.
The Office also reports delivering services statewide across Texas while earning recognition such as TIME magazine listing Greg Abbott among its 100 Most Influential People in 2024.
