UTEP and the City of El Paso combine efforts to promote aerospace and advanced manufacturing
The City of El Paso and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) will sign an Interlocal Agreement to jointly develop advanced manufacturing and aerospace capabilities in the region, within the framework of the Better Build Back Regional Challenge (BBBRC) of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The agreement allows both institutions to act as co-applicants for the federal initiative, administer US$10 million in funds, and coordinate the implementation of the BBBRC program. The measure seeks to strengthen the local workforce, support small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, and position El Paso in strategic manufacturing and aerospace sectors.
In 2023, the West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition, led by the City and UTEP, secured a US$40 million grant to improve the integration of local businesses into national supply chains. Of this amount, US$25 million went to the Advanced Manufacturing District at El Paso International Airport, while US$15 million was allocated to UTEP for training and technical assistance to local manufacturers.
Under the plan, UTEP will continue to offer research, education, and technical assistance programs, while the City will be responsible for coordinating relationships with local businesses and suppliers. Both agencies will assume the administration and supervision of the program, with the goal of strengthening regional manufacturing networks and generating measurable economic results for El Paso.
The project is part of a broader strategy by the city to establish itself as a center for advanced manufacturing and aerospace technology, leveraging federal investments and collaborations with academic institutions and local industry.
