U.S. Rep. Arrington secures $30M in funding for Texas Tech, West Texas

By Mateo Riles
February 9, 2026
AS SEEN IN THE LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington was busy last week securing several items in the federal funding bill that ended the partial government shutdown in early February.

On Feb. 3, President Donald Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act HR 7148 with some additions Arrington, R-Lubbock, put in there.

Several of those items include an early cancer detection bill and another one aimed at lowering drug prices for Americans.

While those are set to impact Americans, there was a provision of the bill that is set to hit closer to home for West Texans.

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$30 million secured for Texas Tech, Lubbock projects

According to Arrington's team, the congressman wrote into the bill items that directed more than $30 million in community project funding for West Texas.

"This includes over $30 million in combined investment in TX-19 for infrastructure development to expand the I-27 Ports-to-Plains Corridor, much-needed improvements for Lubbock Preston Smith Airport, and key facility upgrades that strengthen Texas Tech’s position as a world-class institution," Arrington said.

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Reuters

The congressman's team passed along several specific projects that the funding will impact to the Avalanche-Journal, which include:

• Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LPSIA) — funds will be used for repairing the pavement on the West General Aviation Apron and other eligible infrastructure projects at the airport. 
• Lamesa Interstate Preparedness Study — aims to improve the existing traffic flow on U.S. 87 through Lamesa by converting two 2-lane roads through town, including existing US 87 and Bus 87 (Dallas Ave.) into two one-way pairs. The funding will be used to complete the planning for the existing US-87 through the City of Lamesa to a one-way pair. 

The Avalanche-Journal reached out to Texas Tech University for further explanation of what projects the funding would be helping, but has not heard back as of Friday.

City of Lubbock expresses thanks to Arrington for airport funding

Mateo Rosiles/ Avalanche-Journal

Kelly Campbell, executive director of aviation at LPSIA, issued a statement to the Avalanche-Journal expressing her thanks to Arrington for securing critical funding for the rehabilitation of the West General Aviation Apron.

"This investment is a significant step toward maintaining and improving the airport’s infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient operations for general aviation users," Campbell said.

She added that projects like this one would further help position Lubbock as a hub for growth and opportunity while also enhancing the safety and functionality of the airport.

"We are proud to partner with Congressman Arrington in advancing the future of aviation in West Texas," Campbell said."