EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The El Paso City Council has approved a contract to begin construction on the first phase of the Advanced Manufacturing District (AMD) at the El Paso International Airport, the City of El Paso announced in a news release. The City said the contract marks a considerable step towards making El Paso a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense industries. The AMD will help grow local businesses and create more jobs in the region, the City said. “Creating high-paying jobs for our community has been one of my top priorities,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. “The Advanced Manufacturing District is a key investment in El Paso’s future, fulfilling that promise by opening doors to life-changing opportunities for our residents. This project will not only transform our local economy but also position El Paso as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.” Once completed, it is expected to serve as a launchpad for an estimated 300 new small and medium manufacturing companies and bring approximately 4,000 engineering and technology jobs and 13,000 high-skill technical jobs to far West Texas by 2030, solidifying El Paso as a leader in innovation and workforce development, the City added. “This project highlights El Paso’s dedication to building a stronger, more innovative economy,” said City Manager Dionne Mack. “The Advanced Manufacturing District will boost our local supply chain, attract new industries, and create meaningful, high-quality jobs that will drive our region forward. It’s an exciting step toward a brighter future for our community.” The City said the AMD project began in September 2022 when the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $40 million to the West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition through the Department of Commerce’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Of that, $25 million was given to the El Paso International Airport to develop the 250-acre AMD, the City said. "The AMD will bring together aerospace and defense companies, manufacturers, and support services. It will also provide resources and training for manufacturing technology startups and small- to medium-sized manufacturers," read the news release. "Purpose-built with a shared physical, cyber, and digital infrastructure, the District will address significant barriers to entry by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources." Phase 1 of the project is envisioned to include the construction of a 50,000-square-foot stand-alone building and two 100,000-square-foot multi-tenant buildings, the City said. The City said these proposed facilities would be tailored to the needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers, fostering innovation and collaboration across industries. For more information about the AMD and its impact on the region, visit the City of El Paso’s Advance Manufacturing website.