SPI Insights

The $858 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in Congress and is now awaiting the presidential signature. The act has multiple priorities to support Texas military installations and national security efforts.

The Texas Coastal Spine Authorization Act supports the construction of a $31 billion coastal barrier system, a large-scale storm risk and ecosystem restoration project to protect the Texas coast from storm damage. This legislation was introduced earlier this year as part of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The NDAA includes multiple provisions from WRDA.

The NDAA authorized $315 million for military construction projects in Texas, including $55 million to Corpus Christi Army Depot’s new powertrain facility and $182.4 million to Joint Base San Antonio for dormitories, a child development center and an ambulatory care center. More than $1 billion is dedicated to Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) to be built in Fort Worth. Nearly $1.8 billion will fund the strategic bomber B-21 Raiders based out of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. More than $650 million will fund building fighter F-16 Fighting Falcons in Texas. Fort Hood will receive $53 million for an infantry squad battle course, infantry platoon battle course, multipurpose machine gun range, a barrack, power generation and microgrid operations.

The NDAA can be read here