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Commissioners approve letter supporting 'Project Patriot' with one dissent; residents urge caution
Summary
After executive session, the Hood County Commissioners Court on July 8 authorized the county judge to sign a letter of support for 'Project Patriot,' a proposed investment said to create 60 high‑wage jobs; the motion passed 3–1 with Commissioner Samuelson opposed. Residents urged delays and expressed fire‑suppression and infrastructure concerns.
The Hood County Commissioners Court voted 3–1 on July 8 to allow the county judge to sign a letter of support for a proposed economic development project dubbed "Project Patriot," described in the agenda packet as a large capital investment that could create about 60 high‑wage permanent jobs and involve a property tax abatement.
The item went into executive session for discussions permitted under Government Code §551.087. After the court returned to open session, an amended letter dated July 8, 2025 was approved; Commissioner Samuelson recorded a dissenting vote.
Residents who addressed the court during public comment urged caution. Daniel L. Laker told commissioners the area already has multiple industrial developments and expressed concern about emergency response and infrastructure near Precinct 2, saying, "There is no way to put out a battery fire. We do not have the suppression systems." He asked that the court delay formal commitments until after broader study and voter discussion on infrastructure investments.
Supporters said the letter of support is not a binding agreement but a step that would allow officials to continue negotiating and set conditions — including air‑quality mitigation, noise bonds and infrastructure requirements — as part of any future abatement agreement. The court directed staff to incorporate the changes made to the letter and to proceed with the letter of support as approved.
