MIDLAND, Texas — The Texas House of Representatives recently approved legislation to create a new Texas Space Commission and an Aerospace Research and Space Consortium.
The bill is a part of a $350 million program to encourage aerospace programs in the state of Texas, while increasing how many the state can fund.
Naturally, the city of Midland is looking to take advantage of the new legislation, as they plan on reestablishing their Midland Spaceport Development Board, that was disbanded due to the lack of state funding.
The new legislation will help fund aerospace projects around the state of Texas, as well as any infrastructure they might need.
The Aerospace Research and Space Consortium will also try and bring in new opportunities for aerospace education in Texas
Along with managing intergovernmental agreements with various entities and governments, the commission will also plan for new space-related economic development.
It's good news for a city like Midland, who have more than dipped their toes in the world of aerospace engineering, having brought multiple companies and projects to the Tall City.
The original Midland Spaceport Development Board was disbanded in 2019, but with the new legislation, there is a significant chance it can make a comeback.
A seven-member board has already been decided, with four members representing the city of Midland and three representing Midland County.
However, it isn't fully guaranteed that Midland will be getting funding. There is still a long application process to take care of, and the state will surely have multiple projects to look through.
But, it is still seen as a positive step forward for the future of Midland aerospace.