Brazos County approves tax agreement for $700M RELLIS data center project | Bryan - College Station

Brazos County commissioners have unanimously approved an updated tax agreement for a $700 million data and research center slated for Texas A&M University’s RELLIS Campus. The agreement, approved on August 18, replaces the original developer with ThisWay Global Inc. following a bankruptcy court's approval of the project's contract sale and transfer in July.

The project, which will encompass 230,000 square feet on 25 acres, was previously exempt from county property taxes. Under the new agreement, Brazos County will receive taxes on 50% of the property's taxable value for the initial 10 years, transitioning to full taxable value for the remaining 30 years of the lease. Precinct 2 Commissioner Chuck Konderla highlighted that this agreement will generate new tax revenue for the county while imposing specific state and county requirements on ThisWay Global Inc. for data center operation, including adherence to future state legislation.

Commissioners also addressed concerns regarding the project's potential impact on local water and electricity usage. County Judge Duane Peters noted that Bryan Texas Utilities had previously assured the county that current customers' utility rates would not be affected in the near future. Commissioner Konderla clarified that while ThisWay Global has not committed to generating its own power, future Texas legislation is expected to mandate such actions. Precinct 3 Commissioner Fred Brown emphasized that the project is a Texas A&M initiative, and the county's participation in the tax agreement is a pragmatic step to secure tax benefits.