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Socorro Council approves enterprise‑zone nomination for We Win Technology, cites up to $140 million investment
Summary
On second reading the Socorro City Council approved participation in the Texas Enterprise Zone program and nominated We Win Technology Corporation as an enterprise project; staff said the proposal could yield up to $140 million in investment and more than 500 jobs, with a potential five‑year state refund of up to $1,250,000.
The Socorro City Council on Aug. 21 approved an ordinance to participate in the Texas Enterprise Zone program and designated We Win Technology Corporation as an enterprise project.
Alejandra Ladez, city development director, told the council this is the first time the city has pursued the state enterprise‑zone designation. "This is the first time to our knowledge that the city of Socorro has participated in the Texas Enterprise Zone," Ladez said, urging the council to approve submission of the final application.
Jose Quinones, who led the application effort for the city and the company, outlined the projected scope: "There's potential for this project to go up to a $140,000,000 of investment," he said, and staff said the applicant estimated more than 500 jobs and a maximum state sales‑and‑use refund over five years of about $1,250,000. Quinones also noted a 90‑day reimbursement window for eligible pre‑application costs and that staff held the required public hearing on Aug. 19 with no public comments.
Council members raised no substantive objections during a brief question period; the ordinance passed on its second reading by voice vote, and staff was directed to submit the state's application if council approval was confirmed.
Why it matters: Enterprise‑zone designation makes specific state tax refunds available to qualifying projects and is used to attract or retain private investment. The application commits the city to act as the municipal sponsor and to identify a liaison for the state's review process. The council's approval advances the city's economic‑development effort and begins the state's review process.
Next steps: Staff will submit the Texas Enterprise Zone application to the state and monitor the statutory review and certification process. If the state certifies the project, the company may pursue the refund credits described in the application.
