Texas Space Commission Awards Grant to West Central Texas Council of Governments

Austin, TX - The Texas Space Commission (TSC) announced a Space Exploration & Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) grant of up to $175,000 has been awarded to the West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG) to conduct a feasibility study evaluating the region’s capacity to support space exploration infrastructure and operations.

This study intends to analyze economic and workforce potential for space-related activities across the West Central Texas region, providing decision-makers with data-driven insights which may guide future strategic investments. By assessing infrastructure gaps, workforce capabilities, and economic opportunities, this study can inform the state’s expanding commercial and defense space ecosystem.

The project timeline is set to take place over one year. The objectives included with this grant agreement are: 

• Project initiation, setup, and consultant procurement: August 2025; 
• Market and industry analysis, stakeholder engagement, and final recommendations: September 2025 – January 2026; and
• Final report and presentation: June 2026 – July 2026. 

These milestones will equip West Central Texas leaders with the insight necessary to align local capabilities with state and national space priorities. The SEARF fund will reimburse WCTCOG for eligible expenditures, such as research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and direct costs associated with the project.

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About the West Texas Council of Governments
The West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG) is a voluntary association organized to promote area-wide planning and cooperation among local governments. The mission of WCTCOG is to assist local governments to improve conditions for the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens, plan for future development for the area, make efficient and economical use of public funds through regional coordination, to eliminate waste from duplication, and assist member governments in solving current and long-range problems. Learn more.

About the Texas Space Commission
Established by the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 3447, authored by Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D., the Texas Space Commission advances innovation in the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace to strengthen the state’s proven leadership across civil, commercial, and military domains. To date, the total appropriation made by the Legislature for the SEARF Trust is $450 million. Learn more.

Contact
To submit a media inquiry to the Texas Space Commission, please send an email to TSCPressInquiries@space.texas.gov.