On Wednesday, in front of several dozen Fort Hood area civic leaders, Gov. Perry announced he does not want Texas military installations to be on the 'short end of the stick' once the Department of Defense is finished with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process.

"We want to keep our Texas bases in operation and retain the thousands of civilian jobs that are directly linked to our military bases around the state," said Perry.

Gov. Perry highlighted several new programs created to help Texas' military related communities improve their infrastructure and attraction.

The first step the state has taken is the creation of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, a nine member group of community leaders from across Texas that are responsible for oversight of all military related state programs. Over the next two months, the TMPC will visit all 17 military installations in Texas to evaluate their needs and recommend what steps they can take to improve their BRAC standings.

The largest program the state has created is the Texas Military Value Fund, a $250 million low-interest, revolving loan available to military communities for economic development.

"Infrastructure projects such as water treatment plants, electrical utility lines and so forth can be mutually beneficial joint ventures which can reduce operational costs and free up dollars for training or other operational needs," said Retired General Mike Smith, Director of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.

Another program involves discounting utility rates at military installations to help reduce overall operating costs.

The state is also working with the Texas Education Agency to help military dependents enroll in state colleges and universities at state tuition rates, and to help students transfer schools without penalty.

Perry says he believes Fort Hood will actually benefit from the BRAC process, "This facility I think will be receiving strong consideration for new additional troops, new missions as they look to consolidate the functions of the military around the world."

With these new initiatives, the governor says the state wants to make sure every post in Texas can be retained once the next BRAC round is complete.