The building, slated to begin construction in January, will include secured research "garages" for experimental robots and vehicles, lab spaces, offices, classrooms and an auditorium. The space institute is just one project among several recently approved by the university's board totaling more than half a billion dollars, which "will touch everything from space exploration to national defense to people's beloved pets," read an official release. "This agenda not only underscores the great needs of the state and nation," said Chancellor John Sharp. "It is only possible thanks to the foresight and commitment of our state leaders."
Around $10 million was also allocated to a hypersonic wind tunnel at Texas A&M-RELLIS in Bryan. Set to begin construction next month, the tunnel will provide large-scale aerodynamic testing and complement research at the adjacent Ballistics Aero-optics and Materials Range and Detonation Research Test Facility. Upon completion, the single-story building will become the largest academic facility of its kind in the country.
The university's School of Veterinary Medicine will also benefit from the newly approved funds with the addition of a $181 million clinical veterinary teaching and research complex. The two-story facility is at the corner of Raymond Strotzer Parkway and Agronomy Road, which will begin construction next year. Per the release, Texas A&M's School of Veterinary Medicine has outgrown its Small Animal Teaching Hospital, which sees about 24,000 cases annually despite being designed to support 6,000.
Other projects include a $25.3 million training facility for first responders, law enforcement, and cybersecurity professionals; a $21.69 million Educare School in San Antonio; $10 million toward athletic facilities at Texas A&M-San Antonio; a new $7.4 million dining hall for Texas A&M-Commerce; and $74.9 million for critical infrastructure improvements on the College Station campus.
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