After months of gathering data, the new Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s Biennial Report for 2019-2020 is complete and posted online here.
The report which begins with a letter to the Governor, highlights the past two years of growth and changes for military missions in the state of Texas, which strives to be the home of choice for military personnel and their families who serve our great nation.
In the past few years, the military footprint has grown in many ways, now contributing more than $123.6 billion to the Texas economy. Texas is home to more than 227,000 uniformed and Department of Defense civilian personnel at 15 military installations and Army Futures Command. A variety of missions and platforms in Texas continue to support national security and developing American interests in cyber security, medical research, and reconnaissance, among others. Not only are these missions of the highest importance to the success of our military, we are at the forefront of innovation.
Partnerships and collaborative work are the key to success in the state, especially here in Military City USA. As a recipient of the state’s Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) dollars, San Antonio has enjoyed mutually beneficial projects for both the military missions and the surrounding community for many years. The recent round from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission awarded $5 million to the Alamo Area Council of Governments, or AACOG, to improve power distribution throughout San Antonio and JBSA. In addition, CPS Energy, which provides electrical infrastructure and power to JBSA installations, will provide $3.4 million in matching funds and $600,000 for in-kind contributions for electrical infrastructure improvements at JBSA, for a project total of $9 million.
Texas is consistently one of the top recipients of DoD contracts and is home to the leading defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Bell, Boeing, L-3, Raytheon Technologies, and Air Bus Helicopters. With a friendly business environment, the state is an excellent place for many companies to flourish. Many of these companies are invaluable Chamber business members who support our efforts across the region to add value to our military missions, as well as to support the quality of life for our service members and their families.
The report also highlights members of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, the mission and funding of its programs, as well as its role as a supporter of military-focused initiatives, such as the Texas Military Value Task Force and the Governor’s Committee to Support the Military, of which our Chamber Vice President of Military Affairs and Leadership Development Lori Stinson serves as Vice-Chair.
Additionally, the recommendations of the Texas Commander’s Council, which convenes commanders from throughout the state of Texas, highlight specific ways the Commanders suggest adding military value to the state related to land use and air space compatibility. The incoming Chair will be Brigadier General Caroline Miller, Commander of Joint Base San Antonio in the next year.
Finally, the report includes each military community and provides an overview of the state legislation that has passed to support military and defense missions.
For more information on the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, call Keith Graf, Director or Alexandra Taylor, Program Manager at 512-475-1475.
