WASHINGTON – The
Texas A&M University System
has been chosen to set up and manage a new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies which will commence operations in Fort Worth.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Republican from Texas,
and
U.S. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy
announced the selection Wednesday.
Cruz mentioned that the language he advocated for inclusion in last year’s Federal Aviation Administration bill aimed to establish North Texas as the location for the new center. This decision was partly influenced by the region’s significant contributions to aviation innovation.
The law permitted as much as $35 million annually in federal funds. This initiative aims to foster partnerships expected to bring in extra private financing.
“I am confident that this new research and testing facility will aid the private sector in generating thousands of well-paid job opportunities and boosting the Texas economy with billions in fresh investments,” Cruz stated in a press release.
Cruz commended Duffy for acknowledging the importance of placing the center in Texas.
According to news releases, the lab for the center will be situated at Texas A&M Fort Worth and managed by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi through its Autonomy Research Institute.
According to an announcement, the institution holds a certification enabling it to evaluate unmanned aircraft systems, even those not approved for public usage.
The concept revolves around advancing research into novel aviation technologies like drones that deliver parcels right to your doorstep, airborne cabs ferrying travelers across cities, and planes traveling at hypersonic speeds zipping through the atmosphere.
Studies might explore updating the country’s air traffic control infrastructure, enhancing automation within aviation and integrating artificial intelligence technologies.
The Transportation Department mentioned that they had received 28 submissions from various organizations spanning several states.
Due to its closeness to significant airports and an area FAA office, as well as having current facilities for sophisticated aviation tests, robust educational offerings, and solid industrial collaborations, Texas A&M was chosen as the location for the center, stated the department.
The university administrators expressed their pride and gratitude regarding the selection.
This endeavor presents a substantial chance to leverage the knowledge within our member institutions and propel advancements in the aerospace sector,” remarked Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp in a press statement. “Our dedication lies in promoting cooperation between universities, private enterprises, and governmental bodies to expedite the adoption of pioneering aviation technologies.
Last year, Cruz was the top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, which had
jurisdiction over the FAA
, and he currently serves as its chairman.
He mentioned that when writing the legislation, his aim was to guarantee that the Dallas-Fort Worth area would be chosen for the new center.
“That’s the only location on Earth that fulfills the legal criteria,” Cruz stated.
December interview with the
Dallas Morning News
I didn’t include in the law that the location had to have a football team named the Cowboys, but I considered it.
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