February 26, 2026 - February 24 marked the 190th anniversary of Colonel William B. Travis’ famous “Victory or Death” letter from the Alamo. Though Travis and his fellow Texans made the ultimate sacrifice, their courage helped inspire Texas’ fight for independence. As we approach Texas Independence Day on March 2, I encourage everyone to reflect on the bravery and determination that helped shape our great state.
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Onalaska Robotics Team wins state championship
Congratulations to the Onalaska High School robotics team for winning the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) – VEX UIL Texas State Championship in the 1A–3A division. This statewide competition brings together top high school robotics teams from across Texas to demonstrate their skills in engineering, programming, and teamwork. This achievement reflects the dedication of these students, their teachers, and their families. Programs like robotics help prepare young Texans for careers in science, engineering, technology, and other high-demand fields. I am proud of these students for representing their school and East Texas so well.
2. GLO accepting applications for infrastructure project funding following 2024 disasters
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) announced this month that it is accepting applications for $97 million in infrastructure funding through its Local Communities Program to help communities recover from disasters that impacted Texas in 2024, including Hurricane Beryl and other severe storms. These grants support projects that restore and improve public infrastructure and other essential public services. This funding is available to eligible local governments, including cities and counties, located in one of the 92 counties designated for disaster recovery assistance. Eligible counties in East and Southeast Texas include Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Hardin, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler. Applications must be submitted by March 23, 2026, at 5pm. For more information, visit https://glo.texas.gov.
3. Texas A&M Forest Service awards $14 million to Texas fire departments
During the 89th Texas Legislature, lawmakers appropriated a historic $192 million to the Texas A&M Forest Service for its Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to help departments across Texas purchase equipment and access training. Of that total amount appropriated, $164 million was awarded in October, followed by $17.6 million in December. The remaining balance of $14 million was awarded this month, completing the full distribution of funds. This funding helps volunteer fire departments purchase essential equipment such as fire engines, protective gear, and communication systems, as well as provide critical training for volunteer firefighters. Many rural communities in East and Southeast Texas rely on volunteer fire departments as their primary emergency response providers, and this program helps ensure they have the resources needed to protect lives.
4. Texas Space Commission fully commits SEARF funding
The Texas Space Commission was established by the Legislature in 2023 to support the continued growth of Texas’ space and aerospace sector. The Commission works to expand research, encourage innovation, and attract investment in an industry where Texas already plays a major role, particularly with NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the growing presence of private aerospace companies. To advance these efforts, the Legislature created the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) and appropriated $150 million for grants supporting space-related research, technology development, and infrastructure. This month, the Commission approved its final SEARF grant, bringing the total amount awarded to the full $150 million across 24 projects statewide. The most recent award provided $14.15 million to Rice University to establish a Center for Space Technologies within the Rice Space Institute. The new center will support advanced space research and create expanded training and educational opportunities for students and future aerospace professionals.
5. SFA to relocate the Stone Fort Museum
This month, Stephen F. Austin State University approved plans to relocate the Stone Fort Museum, a historic structure located on its campus in Nacogdoches. Built in 1936, the Stone Fort is a replica of a stone building constructed in 1779 by Antonio Gil Y’Barbo who is widely recognized as the founder of modern Nacogdoches. The original stone structure served as a center of civic, military, and commercial activity and played an important role in the early development of Nacogdoches as a Spanish colonial outpost. Today, the museum houses artifacts and exhibits that highlight the history of the region and its early settlement. University and city officials are working together to identify a new location that will allow the structure to be preserved while accommodating future campus growth.
