COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – In a historic move, Texas A&M has approved more than $500 million in construction projects, one of which involves space exploration.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved half-a-billion dollars in new construction projects on Thursday, aiming to expand research and educational facilities across Texas. From advancing space exploration and hypersonic research to improving veterinary services and community resources, the investments are set to impact the state on multiple fronts.
Texas A&M University considers $500 million in new construction
“This agenda not only underscores the great needs of the state and nation,” said Chancellor John Sharp in the release. “It is only possible thanks to the foresight and commitment of our state leaders.”
This massive investment follows Texas A&M’s legislative win in 2023, which secured $1.19 billion in new funding, including $775 million for fresh initiatives. Here’s a closer look at some of the approved projects:
Texas A&M Space Institute at Johnson Space Center
$200 million will go towards the construction of a four-story research facility at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to “assist in missions to the moon and Mars.” The board promised research garages for experimental robots and vehicles, lab spaces, and general learning facilities.
This facility will span 32 acres, featuring simulated landscapes to mirror the terrain of the moon and Mars, and will be approximately the size of Kyle Field.
The Texas A&M University Space Institute will begin being built in January 2025.
Hypersonic Wind Tunnel at Texas A&M-RELLIS
Back home, regents approved a $10 million Hypersonic Wind Tunnel to boost national defense and aerodynamics research at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus.
The board said this facility will be the largest academic wind tunnel of its kind in the U.S. and will be capable of large-scale testing. The board also said the facility will complement the university’s Ballistics Aero-optics and Materials Range and the Detonation Research Test Facility.
Construction is set to begin in December.
New veterinary medicine facility in College Station
The board said the university has outgrown its Small Animal Teaching Hospital and approved a $181 million two-story facility to be constructed at the corner of Raymond Stotzer Parkway and Agronomy Road, also next January. The university reported the current facility supports 6,000 cases but the teaching hospital typically gets about 24,000 cases each year.
Additional projects
Other approved projects aim to expand training, early education, and student amenities across Texas:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Training Facility:
This $25.3 million investment will create an 86-acre training complex at Texas A&M-RELLIS. The facility will provide resources for first responders, law enforcement, and cybersecurity professionals, including an urban simulation grid, drive track, and classrooms. Construction will begin in December. - Educare School in San Antonio:
The Board allocated $21.69 million for Educare San Antonio, a school designed for children from six weeks to kindergarten age. Slated to be the first Educare facility in Texas, it will also serve as a hands-on training ground for Texas A&M-San Antonio students.
Construction will start in December. - Athletic Facilities in San Antonio:
A $10 million project, funded by Bexar County, will upgrade Texas A&M-San Antonio’s softball field and add a new multipurpose field and track, set to benefit both university athletes and the community.
Construction is planned for December. - Student Dining Facility in Commerce:
Texas A&M-Commerce will gain a new $7.4 million dining hall to enhance student amenities, with construction beginning in December. - Utility and HVAC Upgrades in College Station:
The Board approved $74.9 million for critical infrastructure improvements on the College Station campus, ensuring better utility systems and HVAC performance.
Regents said this wave of projects reflects Texas A&M’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in fields as diverse as space exploration, veterinary science, and early childhood education, with a clear focus on addressing both academic and community needs statewide.
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