Liberty County says not so fast to accidental data center
Liberty County authorities are taking enforcement actions against BaRupOn LLC and its subsidiary QYK Brands LLC for starting construction on an alleged 700-acre data center near Raywood without proper permits or the county's knowledge. The county attorney confirmed that previous discussions with QYK Brands were for a plastics manufacturing facility, not a data center. Construction activities have resumed despite previous warnings, leading to accruing fines.
Construction has reportedly begun on a 700-acre facility near Raywood, Texas, which owners, BaRupOn LLC. and its subsidiary QYK Brands LLC, claim will be a data center. However, Liberty County officials state they were unaware of any such project, having only discussed plans for a plastics manufacturing company focused on PPE production with QYK Brands LLC in September 2024.
County Attorney Matthew Poston clarified that the presentation to the Commissioners Court did not describe a data center, especially one of the size now being reported. He added that QYK Brands LLC began construction without the necessary permits, prompting his office to pursue enforcement actions.
Despite initial cooperation, construction activities have reportedly resumed, and the company has failed to comply with promised actions. Poston noted that QYK Brands has not sought economic development incentives or engaged with the Commissioners Court since September 2024, and fines for non-compliance are continuing to accumulate.
Separately, the article clarifies that another data center project in Dayton, which received a letter of support from commissioners last year, is distinct from the Raywood development.