Senator César J. Blanco Announces $4 Million DEAAG Investment for Fort Bliss Water Infrastructure

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
April 2, 2026
Senator César J. Blanco Announces $4 Million DEAAG Investment
for Fort Bliss Water Infrastructure
El Paso, Texas – Senator César J. Blanco is pleased to announce that the Texas Military
Preparedness Commission (TMPC) has awarded $4 million to the City of El Paso through the
Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program to support critical water
infrastructure improvements at Fort Bliss.
The funding will support expanded water capacity at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination
Plant, a key facility that serves both Fort Bliss and the greater El Paso community. The
investment will help strengthen water reliability for the installation while supporting the region’s
growing water needs.
The Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program, administered through
the Texas Military Preparedness Commission in the Office of the Governor, provides funding to
communities across Texas for infrastructure projects that strengthen military value, support local
economies, and help position installations for potential future base realignment and closure
(BRAC) decisions.
Senator Blanco offered the following statement:
“Fort Bliss is a cornerstone of our community and a major driver of our regional economy. This
investment helps ensure the installation has the infrastructure it needs to carry out its mission,
while also strengthening water security for El Paso.
Water remains one of the most critical challenges facing our region. Expanding capacity at the
desalination plant is a practical, forward-looking solution that benefits both our military partners
and our broader community.
Investments like this help protect jobs, support economic growth, and reinforce El Paso’s role as
a strong and reliable partner in supporting our servicemembers and national defense.”
For inquiries or requests, please contact Arista Garcia at arista.garcia@senate.texas.gov. ###