UTEP announces $2 million federal appropriation to expand drone research and teaching
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The University of Texas at El Paso announced a $2 million appropriation from the federal government to expand drone testing and operations Friday morning.
The research expansion will go to the university's aerial systems facilities in Fabens and Tornillo, UTEP said. It will include radar and electrical updates and new equipment. The expansion will also bring new job opportunities in teaching and research for staff and students.
U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales joined UTEP President Heather Wilson and UTEP Aerospace Center Executive Director Shery Welsh in the announcement.
A new federal grant is expected to expand drone research and training efforts at the University of Texas at El Paso, strengthening the region’s role in aerospace innovation.
Welsh said the funding “further strengthens our region's role in American aerospace innovation.”
Welsh said the grant will help UTEP become a national leader in unmanned aircraft systems training and research. The funds will be used for radar and electrical upgrades, as well as new equipment at the university’s Fabens and Tornillo facilities.
UTEP President Heather Wilson said the investment will help build infrastructure for research in drone and counter-drone technology.
“We’ll be able to provide hands-on drone training to UTEP students,” Wilson said.
She added that aerial sensors and the data they collect support a wide range of industries, including law enforcement, national security and search-and-rescue operations.
“Leveraging drone technology is not only key to our economy, but to our national security," Congressman Gonzales said. "UTEP’s Aerospace Center continues to be a leader for top-tier research, and I applaud President Wilson, her team, and UTEP’s faculty for their partnership on this critical project."
The university said funding was one of Gonzales' priorities included in the appropriations bill recently signed into law.
"This isn’t just about flying drones," said Welsh. "It’s about solving real challenges in border security, disaster response, and infrastructure monitoring."
