What to watch: The Midland Development Corporation (MDC) board will meet on Monday, Sept. 14, to consider a new master plan for a West Texas Aerospace Corridor, along with funding for MOTRAN, a UTPB incubator and makerspace, and a new Permian Basin highway economics study.

Key points:

  • Aerospace Corridor master plan: The board will consider hiring Kimley-Horn and Associates to develop a master plan for the West Texas Aerospace Corridor. The corridor is part of a statewide push by the Texas Space Commission to fund regional aerospace planning initiatives, with multiple entities receiving grants to develop coordinated strategies across Texas.

In May, the MDC board approved a regional aerospace corridor agreement with El Paso County, formalizing Midland’s role in the effort. The agreement authorizes up to $655,000 in planning work through July 2027, funded through a Texas Space Commission grant with no contribution from the MDC.

The plan will assess aerospace infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce readiness across Midland, El Paso, and areas in between, and produce a strategic roadmap for future investment.

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  • MOTRAN Alliance: The board will consider a $142,500 one-year economic development agreement with MOTRAN Alliance, a transportation lobbying organization focused on infrastructure investment in the Permian Basin. MOTRAN must file monthly financial reports and quarterly activity reports with the MDC and city secretary.
  • UTPB incubator, makerspace: The board will consider paying $200,000 to the University of Texas of the Permian Basin under an existing incubator and makerspace grant agreement. UTPB operates two fully equipped makerspaces open to the public with multiple 3D printers, laser cutters and engravers, vinyl cutters, 3D scanners, embroidery machines, and a full range of hand tools.
  • PSP Highway Economics Report: The board will consider spending up to $10,000 on a funding agreement with the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) to help pay for a 2026 Highway Economics Report. The studies will examine Permian Basin highway conditions and the economic effects of the region’s roadway needs.

In August, the PSP said the original study helped TxDOT justify a 10-year funding increase for the region against competing demands from Fort Worth and the Gulf Coast.