The McLennan County Commissioners Court on Dec. 2 approved two major reimbursement requests tied to economic‑development agreements.

Chris, representing the Waco/McLennan County Economic Development Corporation, presented a reimbursement to the Waco Industrial Foundation (WIF) totaling $2,736,941.99, of which the county's portion is $1,368,470.99. The funds reimburse gas‑line improvements along Sheehy Parkway that, staff said, have been completed and accepted by Atmos Energy as required under the agreement.

Chris also presented the first and final reimbursement request for Graphic Packaging International, for which the draw request totaled $4,535,726.01; the county's portion is $2,267,863. Staff said the industrial foundation's gas‑line contract came in under budget in aggregate and excess funds were eligible for the Graphic Packaging reimbursement per contract terms. Chris noted that Graphic Packaging began operations in October, which will place the project's investment on the current tax rolls.

The court moved, seconded and approved both reimbursement requests by voice vote. Staff said documentation had been reviewed and verified and that these reimbursements are consistent with the terms of previously approved economic‑development agreements. Chris also gave a monthly economic development report indicating higher attraction inquiries and several project announcements for the year.

Staff introduced Molly Merritt as the new vice president of business development for the Waco/McLennan County economic‑development team.