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More industries could be headed to Bastrop if officials secure funding for water, wastewater and road improvements aimed at readying land for development at the Bastrop Industrial Park.
The overview
On June 15, Bastrop Economic Development Corp. board members approved moving forward with a federal grant application as staff seeks to redirect $1 million in incentives from an agreement with jet engine manufacturer Acutronic to help the company move its project forward.
"We are planning to claw back a million dollars from Acutronic for the infrastructure in that area that would serve them," said Jill Strube, BEDC business and community development manager. "The city would take care of that and provide the infrastructure."
Zooming in
The application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program seeks $3 million in federal funding, with BEDC committing a $2 million local match.
Officials said the upgrades would make 93 acres of the 263-acre industrial park shovel-ready and more competitive.
Zooming out
According to previous Community Impact reporting, Acutronic owns 13.84 acres in the industrial park.
As reported in 2023, Acutronic was given a $1 million incentive from the BEDC to complete needed infrastructure work, including a wastewater line, pavement, curb and gutter work, and a potential lift station. According to June 15 agenda documents, however, the company struggled with the project because it is "not skilled in this type of planning and development."
What happens next
Board members approved moving forward with the grant application, but no action was taken on the proposed Acutronic agreement changes, as it must be brought before Bastrop City Council for consideration.
As of June 19, the topic was not listed on the June 23 City Council agenda.
