SPI Insights

The Kingsville City Commission approved two grant applications on October 12 seeking state funding for the construction of a fire rescue truck facility and relocation of the Pass and Tag Office at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville.

By applying for Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grants (DEAAG), Kingsville hopes to secure funds that will support its two mutual aid agreements with the base for response to fire, hazardous material, and medical calls as well as illegal access incidents.

Construction of a new fire truck facility will allow the base’s fire department to house the forthcoming aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles that are on hold due to an inability to store them safely on the installation.

Currently, the Pass and Tag building is well inside the installation and a long distance from the base’s Entry Control Point. Plans call for relocating the Pass and Tag to reduce escort time, create a more imposing initial presence for potential gate breachers, and minimize hazards to staff and others by decreasing congestion at the base’s entrance.

The new building will protect security vetting assets in weather events and will become the first line of defense for the installation. The city has a mutual aid agreement with NAS Kingsville to respond to any illegal access.

In addition, as the Navy phases out the T-45 Goshawk the need for an upgraded Pass and Tag facility and associated safety and vetting equipment will improve the base’s chances of receiving the next generation jet aircraft when the Navy begins its ranking and selection process.

Each construction project is expected to take 24 months.

DEAAG funding is available to local municipalities, counties, defense base development authority, junior college districts and Texas State Technical College campuses, and regional planning commissions representing these communities. Grants awarded may range from $50,000 to $5 million per project, and $15 million total is available in the current round of funding.