Fort Bend County commissioners are set to consider several tax incentive and economic development agreements Thursday that could help bring a massive $10.1 billion Tesla manufacturing project to the county.
The proposed project, known as “Project Crystal Sun,” could eventually create nearly 10,000 permanent, full-time jobs if Tesla moves forward with plans to build the facility.
According to county documents, commissioners will consider four Tesla-related agreements during their meeting Thursday, Oct. 22, including property tax breaks and other incentives designed to encourage the company to invest in Fort Bend County.
Tesla is considering building a solar manufacturing facility on a site spanning more than 3,000 acres near FM 762 and FM 1994.
The facility would manufacture solar cells and solar panels as part of an estimated $10.1 billion investment.
If completed, the project could become one of the largest economic development investments in the Houston region, potentially bringing thousands of new jobs to Fort Bend County.
Under Item 25 of Thursday’s agenda, Fort Bend County commissioners could take action on four agreements involving Tesla.
Those include a property tax abatement agreement for a designated reinvestment zone in Precinct 2 and an economic development agreement intended to encourage investment and job creation.
Commissioners will also consider agreements involving a potential foreign-trade zone designation and payments in lieu of certain taxes.
The agreements are intended to make Fort Bend County a more attractive location as Tesla evaluates where to build its proposed manufacturing facility.
The project cleared another local hurdle in September when Lamar Consolidated Independent School District trustees unanimously voted to advance a proposed property tax incentive agreement with Tesla.
The incentive would reduce a portion of the company’s school property taxes for a designated period if the project moves forward and receives the necessary approvals.
That vote was another step in the approval process, but it did not guarantee Tesla would build the facility in Fort Bend County.
Tesla has not announced a final decision on where it will build the proposed facility.
Even if Fort Bend County commissioners approve the agreements Thursday, the company would still need to move forward with its plans and secure any remaining approvals, including that of the Governor.
Commissioners Court is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Fort Bend County Courthouse, 401 Jackson St. in Richmond.
