Texas Tech breaks ground on Reese National Security Complex

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - State and federal leaders broke ground on the new Reese National Security Complex in west Lubbock on Tuesday.

Leaders called it a major step for cybersecurity and infrastructure protection.

“I don’t think we appreciate how big of a deal this is and how much of a game-changer this truly is for this region, for this university, and this economy,” Rep. Dustin Burrows, Speaker of the Texas House, said.

Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said the goal is to bring together the people and the tools needed to respond to real-world threats before they become a disruption.

“And the Reese National Security Complex gives us the ability to bring together research, workforce development, testing capabilities, and strategic partnerships in ways that few universities can,” Schovanec said.

Supporters said the impact is local but the stakes are national.

“Think of what it does for the security, not only of Lubbock, Texas, but the nation,” Schovanec said.

The complex will serve as a place to test how to keep water, electricity and communication running when a threat hits.

“And our adversaries are very good at trying to infiltrate that infrastructure that runs everything from our water to our power to the internet and everything in between. And so this is a new tool of essentially modern warfare,” said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

The security site has a hefty price tag, even with the support of the federal government. State Sen. Charles Perry said Texas Tech doesn’t have to just work for the money but for the citizens who are unaware of cyberattacks.

“We recognize the importance to the taxpayer, the constituent, and the average guy walking on the streets that doesn’t even know there’s a cybersecurity issue going on,” Perry said.

With advanced technology, leaders said staying connected is no longer an issue until it falls into the wrong hands.

“Cybersecurity is both an opportunity and a vulnerability,” Cornyn said.

State Rep. Carl Tepper said the complex will also grow a new kind of economy in West Texas.

“We’re giving birth to a new industry here, defense industry and research industry,” Tepper said.

Texas Tech plans for the complex to support civilian and military research and train the workforce needed to defend the systems people depend on every day.