Photo courtesy of Al Braden
By Alex Ortiz, Chapter Water Resources Chair
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is trying — again — to swap 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park for 477 acres adjacent to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This measure first came up in late January, though was ultimately withdrawn after significant public backlash in the Rio Grande Valley over SpaceX's acquisition of the 43 acres of state parkland, and not meeting public notice requirements. The Commission will meet on March 4, 2024 to once again consider the action.
To be clear, this action only gives TPWD staff the ability to consider and negotiate making this land swap — including after potential environmental assessments. Nevertheless, it is the only opportunity at the state level for the public to give feedback. Because the land swap will ultimately result in the expansion of SpaceX in the Rio Grande Valley, and SpaceX has a history of being a bad neighbor, wreaking havoc on the communities and habitat nearby, we are opposed to this potential land swap.
You can find the comments we submitted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in opposition to the swap here.
This land swap will be voted on at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 10 AM. Submit a comment in opposition to this land swap here.