Tesla wins tax break for potential Fort Bend County solar plant
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Tesla is considering Fort Bend County for a $10.1 billion solar manufacturing plant — and a local school district just sweetened the deal with a property tax break.
Why it matters: Project Crystal Sun would significantly expand Tesla's manufacturing footprint in Texas.
- And the effort would be a massive investment in the fast-growing county, eventually employing nearly 10,000 people.
The latest: Lamar CISD trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved the tax incentive as Tesla decides between Fort Bend County and an undisclosed location outside Texas.
Zoom in: Under the state's economic development program, Tesla could get a 10-year break on part of its school property taxes.
- The district wouldn't get the significant boost in operating revenue that it would see without the incentive package, but Tesla would still pay property taxes toward the district's bond debt, per Lamar CISD.
What they're saying: "As Tesla becomes a major employer in the county, I really look forward to our students benefiting from that," school board President Jacci Hotzel said in the board meeting. "I hope this is a beautiful beginning to a long-term partnership."
- "This is huge. This is an incredible opportunity for students to stay closer to home and find really enriching careers at a company that is very successful," David Denison, an advisor to the Tesla application, said at the board meeting.
The other side: Some residents and parents urged trustees to reject the deal, raising concerns about potential pollution, traffic, infrastructure demands and the project's impact on the surrounding community.
What we're watching: Tesla has yet to select the location, and the project still needs state approval. If Fort Bend is chosen, the plant could begin operations in early 2029.