The Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) Board of Directors met March 27, with a focus on ongoing development efforts and addressing growing public concern surrounding proposed data center projects in the county.
Board President Jessica Russell called the meeting to order with a quorum present. Directors approved minutes from the February meeting, while the February financial report was tabled for further review.
During the meeting, MCEDC Executive Director Mike Ferdinand announced a new public outreach initiative, “Brass Tacks,” a video-based series designed to provide clear, factual information about local economic development projects.
The series will include a question-and-answer format, allowing residents to submit topics and concerns directly. Ferdinand said the initiative is expected to launch within the next few weeks.
Flood mitigation studies previously submitted to the Texas Water Development Board are starting to see consideration.
The Cottonwood Creek Risk Reduction Study - was ranked as No. 3 of all rural community for Flood Management/Mitigation Evaluations and Projects within Region 10.
Further local review and community coordination needs to be completed soon. The EDC will be reaching out to our stakeholders this coming week to coordinate next steps.
Board members noting the importance of engineering support in advancing those efforts.
These studies are the next step in getting state funding to build the projects.
Another key topic of discussion was recent public discourse regarding data center developments. MCEDC officials addressed what they described as inaccurate information circulating within the community.
Ferdinand clarified that Barrio Energy is advancing two data center projects in Matagorda County, projects known as Blackcat and Pavlov, both of which are in early development stages. He emphasized that the projects are still subject to regulatory oversight and infrastructure planning by ERCOT, and that MCEDC is working with company representatives to ensure accurate information is communicated to the public.
Board members noted that while interest in these type projects has grown, it is important for residents to rely on verified information as details continue to develop.
In addition to the data center updates, Ferdinand reported that other projects remain active.
STLNG continues to move forward, and MCEDC is coordinating with representatives from HIF on their developing projects.
Ferdinand added that recent Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) have not yielded strong matches due to limited availability of existing buildings that meet current project needs, particularly for large-scale or fully serviced facilities.
Board members also shared updates on community and regional activities. Upcoming events include the Matagorda Bay Bird Festival in April and a fundraiser hosted by the Palacios ISD Foundation.
County officials are preparing for upcoming budget workshops and discussing the development of a legislative priorities list.
Additional updates included the creation of a new Fire Marshal position, ongoing infrastructure coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation, and continued improvements at the Port, including grant applications and dredging efforts.
In workforce and education news, construction at Wharton County Junior College is expected to begin in early April, and new leadership has been selected for local economic development efforts.
The board also recognized Pam Oliver for her service and contributions to MCEDC as she retires from the Palacious Chamber of Commerce.
The board entered executive session to discuss confidential project updates, but took no action upon returning to open session.
The next MCEDC board meeting will be April 24.
