Several people identified as “senior leaders in the community” showed their support for a proposed reinvestment zone in west Matagorda County at commissioners court regular meeting Monday, Jan. 10.
That reinvestment zone is tied to the proposed tax abatement request from HIF USA, a Houston-based synthetic fuel manufacturer.
The proposed manufacturing site would be in the area of the county bounded by FM 521 on the south and FM 1468 on the east, said Scott Hardwick, Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation executive director.
Hardwick said HIF – also identified as Project Helix - is proposing “a substantial $4.2 billion” investment, adding that other states are in contention for the plant.
The county is “poised for growth” with four new subdivisions, Bay City CDC Executive Director Jessica Russell commented about the reinvestment zone and HIF during the public hearing on the zone.
“Senior leadership in the community is wholly behind” the proposed plant, said Mitch Thames, Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture president.
Thames asked for those leaders to stand during the public hearing and more than half of the packed county courtroom rose.
“We lose more than 300 kids a year to graduation. We sure need high-paying jobs,” Thames said about HIF employment possibilities.
“And not only recent graduates, but those from years ago,” he added.
“This is the road map for success,” Thames noted, adding that hotels and restaurants need a boost from jobs that come from plant construction.
County Judge Nate McDonald added, “We’re at a crossroads” working with business “to make sure great things are coming to Matagorda County.”
Commissioners Court will consider adopting an ordinance nominating an area of the county to be designated a reinvestment zone in a teleconference meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday.
State law requires the reinvestment zone designation approval must come before the county considers the tax abatement request, McDonald said later Monday.
In other action, the court:
- Heard Thames talk about the LCRA board considering rate increases at its Jan. 19 meeting for interruptible water for agriculture customers, mainly rice farmers, near the Texas coast.
Thames pointed out the Central Texas Water Coalition contends the proposed higher rates aren’t enough.
The proposed changes for agricultural customers in Matagorda, Wharton and Colorado counties who purchase interruptible water would go from $66.14 per acre-foot to $69.44, or $3.34 per acre-foot.
The higher water rates are driving Matagorda County rice farmers out of business, Thames said.
- Extended declarations of disaster for COVID-19 and Hurricane Nicholas through Feb. 7.
McDonald said COVID-19 cases continue to rise and Emergency Management Coordinator said debris from the hurricane is still being collected.
- Approved an application from Underground Services Markham to lay an 18-inch and 20-inch pipeline under and along CR 417 (Hoffman Road) near Clemville.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Bubba Frick said one is for fresh water and the other for brine.
The pipelines show the activity “shows there’s lots of activity at the Clemville loop,” Frick said.
- Authorized Sheriff Skipper Osborne to purchase two 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4s, totaling $71,716.
- Approved Integrity Alliance LLC to operate a private non-emergent EMS Company in the county.
There was considerable discussion about Integrity’s operations.
Campos asked why Integrity doesn’t have to be permitted and Osborne asked about the transport of mentally ill patients who haven’t been charged with any crime.
Integrity won’t compete with existing EMS firms, but the court approved their request with the condition that Integrity officials work with Osborne and Campos on county transport issues.
Integrity primarily will transport nursing home and home-health residents on non-911 calls.
- Abandoned a platted road near CR 112 and FM 1727 in Ashwood.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Bubba Cook said the plat is an old railroad bed “that’s been there forever.”
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