SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio City Council approved of a land sale and development agreement to assist the University of Texas at San Antonio’s downtown expansion Thursday afternoon.

In September, UTSA announced its plan to add a new School of Data Science and National Security Collaboration Center to its downtown campus.

This came after a $15 million gift and parcels of land that complete this $90 million project. It was largest gift UTSA has ever received.

READ MORE | UTSA accounces School of Data Science and National Security Collaboration Center

 “UTSA’s expansion will accelerate San Antonio’s ongoing central city resurgence and provide a transformative boost that enhances economic opportunity for generations to come,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in response to the approval.

Nirenberg also said the center and school will dramatically enhance the federal cyber relationship and solidify San Antonio as Cyber City USA.

He was proud to express San Antonio as the second only to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area when it comes to federal cyber defense assets.

Construction is expected to start next fall and be completed within 10 years.