The El Paso County Commissioners Court on Aug. 25 approved an interlocal agreement with the Village of Vinton and unanimously nominated Vinton Steel LLC as a "double jumbo" enterprise project under the Texas Enterprise Zone program.

Economic development staff said the designation allows the company to apply to the Texas Office of the Governor for sales-and-use tax refunds tied to capital investment and job creation. The county asked the court to pay the state application fee and to forward the nomination to the governor’s office for consideration.

Company representatives told the court they plan to invest about $255 million to modernize the Vinton facility and expand capacity. A company speaker said the project will strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote economic growth in West Texas and create good-paying jobs, with priority hiring for residents of the enterprise zone, economically disadvantaged individuals and veterans.

Roberto Ransom and Cristian Martinez of the county’s economic development department briefed the court on the nomination and said the county coordinated with the village and the Canutillo Independent School District on local incentives. County staff described the nomination as part of a broader effort to keep the company in El Paso County after competing sites outside the region sought the investment.

The court conducted the required public hearing on the nomination, heard supporting remarks from village and company representatives and approved an order nominating Vinton Steel LLC as an enterprise project for five years from the effective date of designation. The court also adopted a resolution recognizing the company’s nomination.

Judge Samaniego and commissioners Coronado, Butler and others complimented the company’s commitment and said the nomination is intended to support local job creation and long-term economic activity.