SpaceX secured tax incentives on Wednesday for its proposed Terafab chip manufacturing project in Grimes County, Texas, after commissioners approved measures that will reduce the company’s property-tax burden despite strong opposition from residents.

The decision came after a contentious public hearing that drew more than 100 residents to the county courthouse, where concerns were raised about the environmental and infrastructure impact of the planned development.

The project formed part of SpaceX’s broader push to expand beyond rockets and satellite communications into advanced computing and semiconductor manufacturing, a move seen as central to its long-term growth strategy.

Residents had warned that the development would strain water and power supplies, damage local wildlife, and permanently alter the rural character of the area.

“They sold out Grimes County,” one resident said as attendees left the meeting following the vote.

Grimes County, which has a population of about 34,000, was described by locals as a quiet agricultural region defined by open land, ranches, and dark skies near the Gibbons Creek Reservoir.

Three commissioners voted in favour of the proposals, which included establishing a reinvestment zone and approving tax abatements linked to SpaceX’s planned investment obligations.

Commissioner David Tullos was the only dissenting vote, warning against granting a full tax break to the company.

“I have a real problem with the fact that we’re going to be giving them a 100% tax abatement,” he said before the vote.

SpaceX representatives defended the project, saying large-scale industrial development required significant incentives due to the cost of chip manufacturing infrastructure.

“We recognize that large projects bring legitimate questions about infrastructure and environmental stewardship,” said John Federspiel, senior director of Starlink Product Engineering at SpaceX. “Our company is committed to proactively addressing those concerns and taking care of them responsibly.”

The company and its partner Tesla were expected to invest an initial $55 billion in the project, with potential expansion up to $119 billion.

Tesla and SpaceX are both led by billionaire Elon Musk, who argued that the agreement would still increase county revenues despite the tax relief.

“SpaceX will still be paying an annual amount that increases tax revenue for Grimes County by ~25%,” Musk wrote on X.

He said the incentives were necessary to remain competitive in global semiconductor manufacturing, where infrastructure costs are high.

Opponents argued that the deal placed too much burden on residents while benefiting one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

“This supposed economic development tool can shift more of the tax burden onto residents and existing businesses,” critics said during the hearing.

Others urged officials to delay the vote, saying they had not been given enough information about the project’s full impact on the community.

Despite opposition, a small number of residents supported the plan, saying it could bring jobs and boost economic activity in the region. (Arise News)

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