Council accepts deed transfer to economic development corporation; staff outlines multi‑million dollar projects and grants

The Pecos City Council voted Thursday to accept a deed for property previously owned by TxDOT and authorized the city manager to transfer the deed to the Pecos Economic Development Corporation (EDC); the EDC purchased the site for $110,000, city staff said.

Charles Reno, city manager, reported that the property—described in the packet as the former Texaco yard on Second Street behind Quickstop—was acquired by the city at the EDC’s request so the EDC could hold and monetize the parcel. "The EDC board asked if we would ask to acquire the land and they would pay for it… They went ahead and paid $110,000 for the facility," Reno said. Council approved the acceptance and transfer; the packet indicates the sale did not require a city outlay because the EDC provided the funds.

City staff also presented the implementation status of Goal 1 (sustainable economic development). Savannah Woodard, director of community and business development, reviewed projects and grants presented to council, including the Hidden Heroes housing initiative, state and federal funding for energy projects and broadband assistance: - Hidden Heroes housing: an identified $6,000,000 for phases 1 and 3 (and additional funding planned for other phases); phase 1 is expected to deliver a minimum of 48 units; phase 3 a minimum of 30 units and phase 4 approximately 12 units; - SS4A grant (breakdown): staff presented a $2,375,000 total project example where $1,900,000 was requested and the city share would be $475,000; - State energy fund: staff reported approximately $183,000,000 in funding available through a new Texas Energy Fund for gas and electric plant projects; and - USDA broadband technical assistance: $500,000 awarded for technical assistance.

Woodard said ongoing projects include a new veterans museum, downtown parking design and a Roadrunner plant that has completed initial stages; she also noted an Apurion gas plant with an estimated $250,000,000 project value moving toward completion next year, and projected job numbers tied to the plants and construction work presented in staff slides.

Why it matters: The deed transfer clears title to a property the EDC intends to develop or monetize for economic purposes. The staff presentation grouped several large projects and grant awards that together shape the city’s capital pipeline and nonprofit and private partnerships in housing, energy and broadband.

Council approved the deed acceptance by motion. Staff said the EDC will take the property and pursue development options; no additional city expenditure was required for the transfer as presented.