Texas Allocates $26 Million to Enhance Military Infrastructure
In an effort to bolster military infrastructure across Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has announced a significant funding boost of over $26 million. This grant aims to fortify statewide military communities through numerous infrastructure projects.
The funding is sourced from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s (TMPC) Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program. Since its inception in 2003, the program has focused on preserving and expanding military missions, attracting new defense-related businesses to Texas, and safeguarding existing military installations.
“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,” Abbott expressed in a statement, acknowledging the ongoing support of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.
Texas boasts one of the largest military populations in the United States, with over 1.7 million veterans, active-duty service members, reserve personnel, and their families residing in the state.
Security.org’s March 2026 update lists the top five states with the highest military presence based on active-duty members:
- California — 216,096
- Texas — 170,771
- Virginia — 148,637
- North Carolina — 116,195
- Florida — 106,639
However, when adjusted for population, states like Hawaii, Alaska, and North Dakota emerge as leaders due to a higher per-capita average of military members. For instance, Hawaii has 39 active-duty and reserve personnel per 1,000 residents, Alaska follows with 33.9 per 1,000, and the District of Columbia ranks third with 21.6 per 1,000.
Significant Investment in Military Communities
The Governor’s office confirmed that this grant will be allocated to various infrastructure projects and initiatives to support Texas-based military installations. The investment also aims to protect jobs potentially affected by future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) processes.
Since 2015, Abbott has awarded more than $172 million in grants to military communities through the DEAAG program, including the latest funding for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
The following entities will receive DEAAG reimbursements for FY 2026-2027:
- Ark-Tex Council of Governments: $5 million; Red River Army Depot — Supports the U.S. Military Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems requirements.
- Bell County: $4.5 million; Fort Hood — Development of an Aquifer Storage and Recovery system.
- City of El Paso: $4 million; Fort Bliss — Enhancing water production capacity at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant.
- Val Verde County: $5 million; Laughlin AFB — Modernizes airfield lighting to FAA standards for current and future U.S. Air Force missions.
- City of Corpus Christi: $2.074 million; Corpus Christi Naval Air Station — Replaces aging domestic wastewater collection pipes.
- City of Corpus Christi: $990,000; Corpus Christi Army Depot — Installs Atmospheric Water Generation units to supplement water usage.
- City of San Antonio: $5 million; JBSA- Fort Sam Houston — Renovation partnership involving the city, Bexar County, the state, and the Defense Health Agency.
