USDA and Army Corps of Engineers hold groundbreaking for Texas sterile fly facility

USDA APHIS/New World Screwworm Sterile Fly Production Facility

USDA and Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Moore Air Base sterile fly production facility on April 17, 2026. Mortenson Construction is the general contractor. The facility is expected to open in spring 2027, initially producing 100 million sterile flies per week.

• Groundbreaking held April 17, 2026 at Moore Air Base, Edinburg, Texas
• Mortenson Construction awarded as general contractor
• Opening expected spring 2027, not end of 2027 as originally planned
• Initial capacity target: 100 million sterile flies per week by November 2027