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Parker County court approves letter to join Foreign Trade Zone No. 39
Summary
Commissioners approved a county judge signature on a letter requesting inclusion of Parker County in DFW Foreign Trade Zone No. 39; staff said the designation would enable tariff‑deferral benefits and requires a 9–12 month administrative process.
The Parker County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to authorize the county judge to sign a letter of support asking that Parker County be included within the service area of Foreign Trade Zone No. 39 (DFW FTZ).
Chris Frayer explained the foreign trade zone program as a federal tariff‑deferral tool used by manufacturers and exporters: goods brought into an FTZ facility generally are not subject to tariff until they enter the U.S. market, which can reduce costs for operations that import parts for manufacturing and then export finished goods. Frayer said the inclusion process is administrative, typically taking nine to 12 months after the county signs a letter requesting designation; once included, individual firms would apply for FTZ status through the FTZ administrator at DFW.
Commissioner Connolly moved the letter, Commissioner Hale seconded and the court approved the motion 5–0. County staff confirmed the judge signed the support letter at the meeting. The action designates only county support for FTZ inclusion; no county budget commitment or tax obligation was created by the vote.
