Palestine NASA balloon facility to continue operations

PALESTINE — An East Texas lawmaker announced on Friday that he has secured nearly $50 million to fund NASA’s Balloon Facility in Palestine.

According to our news partner KETK, U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey said the funding will come from the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, and though the bill has yet to be passed out of committee, it is expected to be considered in early September. Ellzey says this funding will support operations and scientific missions, which play a key role in NASA’s research efforts.

“The Balloon Facility in Palestine is a unique and critical part of NASA’s mission, and it’s right here in East Texas,” Ellzey said. “I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work being done there—not just for science, but for the community. This proposed funding will help ensure the facility remains strong, supports good jobs for Texas families, and continues advancing American innovation.”

Ellzey has served on the Appropriations Committee, which writes legislation that allocates federal funding to government agencies, departments and organizations.