Defense Communities Celebrate

Passage of Military Base Protection Bill

(AUSTIN) -- Texas defense communities are celebrating passage of legislation to protect military bases with aviation missions from encroachments by wind turbine developments --  Senate Bill 277 by Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) and Representative James Frank (R-Wichita Falls). The Senate adopted the conference committee report to SB 277 by a 19-11 vote and the House passed it on a 97-47 vote. The bill now heads to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature.

As many as nine Texas military installations could be protected from unfettered wind farm encroachment – Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Naval Air Stations Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Joint Base San Antonio (Randolph Air Force Base), and Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. 

State Representative Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), Chairman, House Committee on Calendars:

"The passage of SB 277 was a product of teamwork. Texas stood strong today to protect our military bases. A great message was sent---We strongly support our Texas Military Bases."

State Representative Abel Herrero (D-Robstown):

“I was proud to join our local communities in supporting this critical piece of legislation. This measure will help to secure a crucial part of the Coastal Bend economy, support our military men and women, and sustain the viability of Texas military installations.”

Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb:

“Today is a victory for Texas military installations and for pilot training in South Texas. The Legislature showed great leadership and wisdom. Texas defense communities worked together to achieve this victory. My profound thanks to all who worked for passage of SB 277 from all Corpus Christians and South Texans!”

Mayor Stephen Santellana, Wichita Falls:

“Our sincere thanks and appreciation go out to Representative James Frank, his staff and all the others who worked so diligently to get passage of SB 277.  Our military training routes are now protected and it could not have been done without the tremendous teamwork of all involved.”

Wes Hoskins, Chairman, South Texas Military Facilities Task Force, part of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce:

“What better time than on this Memorial Day weekend for a vote to save our military bases in our great State of Texas.  A special thanks goes to our Chairman Todd Hunter and our Coastal Bend delegation J.M. Lozano and Abel Herrero for their work on this important legislation.  We are proud at the support and passage of this bill, which will protect our bases in the upcoming BRAC in 2021.

Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate:

“This has been an eight year struggle for Kingsville. We appreciate all the good help from Corpus Christi and Wichita Falls. Now on to the federal level with the same legislation to limit the federal tax credits.”