Latest news with #CésarJ.Blanco
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sen. Blanco secures $65M to expand cancer care center in El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A total of $65 million has been secured in the final state budget to support construction of the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center and a new Clinical Sciences Building at Texas Tech Health El Paso, state Sen. César J. Blanco, D-El Paso, announced on Thursday, May 29, in a news release. According to the news release, the total state investment is now $130 million. The cancer center, whose construction is expected to begin this year, is named in honor of El Paso community leaders and philanthropists, Steve and Nancy Fox, whose family donated $25 million to help recruit top doctors, staff, and researchers, according to the news release. Blanco issued the following statement: 'El Paso is the largest city in Texas without a comprehensive cancer center. That means too many families are forced to travel hundreds of miles for care they should be able to get right here at home. 'I'm proud to have secured this critical state funding to help change that. The Fox Cancer Center will be the first of its kind in our region, delivering advanced, multidisciplinary cancer care, research, and patient support services tailored to the needs of our Borderplex. 'This investment is a major step toward closing the gap in access to care for Hispanic and rural patients, and toward meeting the rising demand for cancer treatment in Far West Texas.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senator Blanco files legislation to support the Permian Basin
AUSTIN (KMID/KPEJ)- Senator César J. Blanco has filed several bills this legislative session to support communities in the Permian Basin, strengthen Texas' energy economy, and address critical infrastructure needs in the Permian Basin, including Pecos and Reeves Counties – two of the top producing oil counties in Texas. Since 2014, oil and gas severance taxes have funneled over $35 billion to key state priorities, contributing $9 billion to public education, $13.3 billion to the state highway fund, and $13.3 billion to the rainy-day fund. Of that total, nearly 80% of these funds—around $40 billion—originated from just 32 Texas counties, many located in the Permian Basin. However, the region faces significant challenges, like oilfield theft, which costs the industry an estimated $30 million annually. Senator Blanco's legislative priorities for the Permian Basin include: Reinvesting in Energy Communities: Senate Bill 1001, known as the Texas Strong Act, would return a portion of oil and gas severance taxes to energy communities to support infrastructure, education, and local services. Combating Organized Oilfield Theft: Cracking down on crime that threatens patchworkers and costs businesses and landowners millions. Fixing Leaking Water Wells: Securing funding to repair wells like Lake Boehmer in Pecos County to keep clean water flowing to residents. Plugging Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells: Protecting land and water from pollution and safety hazards by ensuring these wells are properly sealed. Supporting Water Recycling and Reuse: Advancing responsible solutions for produced water to conserve resources and protect groundwater. Expanding Transmission for Electrification: Ensuring the Permian Basin has the power needed to sustain growth and meet future energy demands. 'The Permian Basin is the beating heart of Texas energy. The hardworking communities that power our state deserve investment, respect, and support. By addressing critical issues like oilfield theft, water conservation, and infrastructure needs, we are ensuring the Permian Basin remains a global energy leader for generations to come. Texas' energy future is bright, and I'm committed to making sure that future works for every community that powers it.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Blue Origin receives $7M grant for facility upgrades
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Texas Space Commission has awarded a $7 million grant to Blue Origin for upgrades, Senator César J. Blanco announced on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Blanco said the funding will be used for upgrades to its horizontal first-stage booster engine test facility. The funding will also support the addition of subcooling capacity, allowing the use of more energy-dense propellants in the New Glenn program, Blanco added. New Glenn, a reusable rocket designed for heavy payloads, is part of Blue Origin's long-term vision to expand human and industrial activity into space. Blanco said these improvements will enhance the thrust capacity of each booster engine, further strengthening Texas' role in space innovation. Blanco shared the following statement: 'Last session, I was proud to pass legislation to create the Texas Space Commission to grow the space industry in Texas, attract cutting-edge research, and support companies like Blue Origin that are investing in West Texas. 'This grant is another step in building up our region as a hub for aerospace innovation, creating new opportunities and good-paying jobs, while strengthening our role in the future of spaceflight.' Summer Webb, director of Texas Government Relations, Blue Origin sent the following statement: 'We're grateful for our partners in the State of Texas and the Texas Space Commission for the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund grant. This cost-share agreement with Blue Origin will be used for research, development, and testing at our West Texas facility. Public-private partnerships like this benefit the growth of the space economy and drive innovation in Texas. We look forward to growing our partnerships in the Lone Star State, where our investment now exceeds one billion dollars — to sustain American leadership in space.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
West Texas secures funding awards for Aerospace Master Plan
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – West Texas is a step closer to establishing itself as a leader in the aerospace industry with a $800,000 award from the Texas Space Commission to fund the development of the West Texas Aerospace Corridor Master Plan, the El Paso County said on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in a news release. The County said this project, which is spearheaded by El Paso County in partnership with the Midland Economic Development Corporation, will create a 'comprehensive strategy for aerospace infrastructure, workforce development, and research along the I-10 and I-20 corridors, solidifying the region's place in the global aerospace landscape.' Additionally, the Borderplex Alliance was awarded $19 million from the Texas Space Commission to demonstrate the state's commitment to advancing aerospace development across the West Texas region, the County said. The County said these investments will foster economic growth, attract federal space missions, and create high-quality jobs for the local workforce. 'Last session, I was proud to help pass legislation and funding to create the Texas Space Commission, as well as provide a letter of support for the West Texas Aerospace Corridor Master Plan. This award marks a new chapter for our region, one that harnesses the potential of the space industry to fuel economic growth and create better-paying jobs in our community,' Senator César J. Blanco said. 'El Paso is ready to take its place as a leader in aerospace innovation, turning dreams of exploration into a powerful engine for progress.' 'These awards represent a monumental victory for West Texas, showcasing our region's potential to lead in aerospace innovation while creating opportunities for our communities,' County Commissioner Iliana Holguin, Precinct 3, who also serves as the Chair of the West Texas Spaceport Development Corporation, said. 'The Texas Space Commission's commitment to our region will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking advancements.' 'This funding is a game-changer for West Texas. By planning and coordinating infrastructure and workforce strategies, we are laying the foundation for decades of innovation and economic growth,' County Commissioner Sergio Coronado, Precinct 4, said. 'We have the potential to lift up residents from at-risk populations into good-paying jobs and industries across our communities.' The Couty said the West Texas Aerospace Corridor Master Plan will bring together stakeholders across the region, including local governments, universities, and private sector partners, to assess current capabilities and chart a path forward for sustainable aerospace growth. 'With the area's unique geographic advantages, including its inland location, favorable weather conditions, and existing aerospace assets like Blue Origin's Van Horn site, West Texas is poised to serve as a strategic hub for space exploration and innovation,' read the news release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
