Commissioners create county fund to support sterile screwworm production and research

Bee County Commissioners Court on March 9 unanimously approved establishing a dedicated county accounting code and fund to accept donations for insect research and sterile fly production aimed at responding to a potential screwworm threat.

Commissioner Dit, who led the briefing, described a multiagency effort that began in June 2025 and involves entomologists, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and outreach to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "The sterile flies are being flown in from Panama," Dit said, "and we need capability closer to home." He said the TDA has submitted a proposal to USDA seeking about $45 million from a broader federal grant program to support local production.

The fund, which the auditor confirmed can be established separately from the county's operating budget, will accept donations of money, land or in-kind gifts to support maintenance, operations, fundraising and production activities tied to sterile insect research. Under the motion, if the production initiative does not move forward the county will return donated funds to donors, according to the auditor's explanation during the meeting.

Commissioner Dit outlined facility options discussed with state and federal partners, including a former Pioneer facility with more than 900,000 square feet that could be repurposed within six months, compared with a new facility near Edinburgh that may take more than two years to build. He warned that a confirmed screwworm detection would trigger agricultural quarantine protocols affecting roughly 300,000 acres in a 12-mile radius and called for county readiness and coordination with state and federal agencies.

The court recorded no objections and the motion passed "without exception." Commissioners indicated willingness to accept donations immediately; one member offered to make an initial contribution.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the move as preemptive public- and animal-health preparedness. A local production capability could shorten supply lines and speed response if sterile-release control measures are needed. The decision does not commit the county to build a facility or to spend county operating funds; it only establishes a labeled account to receive and hold donated resources for the program.

Next steps: The auditor will establish the new accounting code and the county will accept donations into the fund. Staff will continue coordination with TDA and federal partners pending grant decisions. The court noted any substantive use of county-controlled funds or property would return for separate approval.