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The Brownsville City Commission has approved the first reading on an ordinance regarding a request by SpaceX seeking additional land for expansion.
The ordinance concerns the voluntary disannexation of 444 acres of land in Cameron County located along South Connector Road, just east of the city’s landfill.
SpaceX, meanwhile, has proposed the advancement of a long-term regional water solution,” according to the release.
Though the first reading was approved, the city said in a news release that it does not complete the disannexation process as a second reading and final vote by the city commission are still required.
The second reading of the ordinance will be considered at the city commission’s special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday.
“Until that second and final reading and vote take place, the proposed disannexation has not received final approval,” the release stated. “The City Commission remains committed to providing the public with accurate information regarding the proposed boundary change, the purpose of the request, and any related agreements or regional infrastructure commitments as those discussions move forward.”
SpaceX said the Cameron County property is intended to provide additional land for the expansion of the company’s operations closer to the Port of Brownsville.
According to the city, SpaceX representatives said the property will not be used for rocket launches or rocket testing.
The city commission’s action is not the only legal avenue available to the property owner, the release stated. Under Texas law, if the applicable statutory requirements are met, the owner may have the ability to pursue disannexation through the courts even if the commission declines to approve the request.
“For that reason, the Commission must consider not only whether to approve or deny the request, but also what outcome best protects the interests of Brownsville and provides the greatest opportunity to secure meaningful benefits for our community,” the release stated.
SpaceX is also negotiating a “significant financial investment toward the advancement of a long-term regional water solution,” the city said, adding the discussions involve the Southmost Regional Water Authority.
That regional water project has the Brownsville Public Utilities Board as the principal shareholder.
If SpaceX’s investment fully develops as contemplated, the project is anticipated to “substantially increase regional potable water production capacity” with the potential to approximately double current capacity as well as provide water resources for Brownsville and the surrounding communities.
“The proposed SpaceX contribution and its specific terms are being negotiated and should not be considered final until an agreement is completed and formally approved through the appropriate public process,” the release stated. “The goal of these discussions is to strengthen long-term water security, support future population and economic growth, and help meet the significant funding and infrastructure requirements necessary to expand the region’s potable water supply.”
Brownsville provided no other information on this proposal and did not disclose whether it is linked with the disannexation of 444 acres of city land.