BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville City Commission has approved the first reading of an ordinance that would remove approximately 444.45 acres from the city limits at SpaceX’s request while negotiations continue over a possible company investment in regional water infrastructure.
The property is located along South Connector Road, east of the Brownsville landfill and near the Port of Brownsville. SpaceX has told the city that it wants the land to support an expansion of its operations closer to the port.
According to the city, SpaceX requested the voluntary disannexation because Brownsville does not currently provide municipal services to the property. Company representatives have said the tract would not be used for rocket launches or rocket testing.
The commission’s first vote does not complete the boundary change. Commissioners must approve the ordinance during a second and final reading before the property can be removed from the city.
The city said Texas law may also allow a property owner to pursue disannexation through the courts when applicable statutory requirements are met. City commissioners are therefore considering the request alongside possible benefits that could be secured for Brownsville and the surrounding region.
Regional Water Negotiations
SpaceX is negotiating a financial contribution toward a proposed expansion of regional drinking-water infrastructure, according to the city.
The discussions involve the Southmost Regional Water Authority, a regional water project in which the Brownsville Public Utilities Board is the principal shareholder. The authority operates a brackish groundwater treatment facility that supplements the region’s Rio Grande water supply.
If developed as currently contemplated, the expansion could approximately double the system’s potable-water production capacity, the city said. Additional capacity could support Brownsville and surrounding communities as the region’s population and industrial activity continue to grow.
No proposed contribution amount or final agreement has been announced. The city emphasized that the negotiations remain ongoing and that any agreement would require completion and approval through the appropriate public process.
The water negotiations and disannexation request are related discussions, but neither has received final approval.
Second Vote Scheduled Friday
The City Commission is scheduled to consider the ordinance’s second reading during a special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.
The meeting will be held in the commission chambers on the second floor of Brownsville City Hall-Old Federal Building, 1001 E. Elizabeth St.
Until the second vote occurs, the 444.45-acre tract remains within Brownsville’s municipal boundaries.
Sources:
City of Brownsville release
Brownsville agendas and minutes
Brownsville Public Utilities Board water strategy
