Heart of Texas Defense Alliance briefs council on Fort Cavazos developments; council approves $4,505 reimbursement

Keith Sledd, executive director of the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance (HODA), gave a quarterly briefing to the City Council on June 17 that touched on Fort Cavazos‑related activity, regional grants and transportation pilots and closed with a council approval to reimburse HODA for professional services.

What was reported: Sledd said the Army issued orders to redesignate Fort Cavazos to Fort Hood and that digital platforms have started to change, though an official public renaming date had not been announced and no additional funding was attached to the change. He also reported that the post’s microtransit pilot — a shuttle service that began March 1 last year — has logged about 278,000 rides to date with average daily ridership near 590–620, and that current interim funding may extend service into December while longer‑term funding is pursued.

Sledd discussed other defense‑community items including an Army decision to replace older RC‑12 turboprop aircraft with newer jets (with a potential stationing decision that could bring more aircraft and soldiers to the region in 2026–27) and broader Army reorganization initiatives. He also said the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot and other grant programs are moving through federal and state channels.

Council action

Following the briefing council authorized payment of up to $4,505 to the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance to reimburse professional services. Dale Treadway made the motion, Vania Hart seconded it, and the motion passed by voice vote.

Context and next steps

Sledd said the microtransit pilot and other initiatives are being coordinated with federal and state partners; long‑term funding and project details — including bills or appropriation decisions at higher levels of government — remain subject to federal and state processes. The council’s reimbursement supports HODA’s professional work on those efforts.