🚀 Texas Space Commission Approves $21.5 Million in SEARF Grants

The Texas Space Commission (TSC) Board of Directors has approved $21.5 million in grant funding for four projects under the Space Exploration & Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) program. Out of 284 grant applications requesting a total of $3.46 billion from 140 entities, the following recipients were selected: - The Borderplex Alliance (El Paso) – $19,758,376 - El Paso County – $800,000 - Concho Valley Council of Governments (San Angelo) – $500,000 - South Plains Assoc. of Governments (Lubbock) – $500,000 The approved projects will support Texas-based companies in collaborating with the U.S. Space Force, assess the El Paso-Midland aerospace corridor, and explore regional opportunities in the space economy. TSC Executive Director Norman Garza Jr. stated that the Commission is working swiftly to process the remaining applications. Additional grant approvals will be considered in meetings on February 10 and 28. The SEARF program is backed by $150 million in state appropriations, following the 2023 passage of House Bill 3447 by Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D. and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. Stay tuned for further developments as Texas expands its footprint in the space industry. 🚀