The city of Bryan is now part of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, a partnership that city and industry leaders said could connect Bryan to future energy planning, investment and job growth.

In a nutshell: According to a March 30 news release, the alliance links Bryan with industry expertise, policy discussions and emerging technologies related to advanced nuclear energy, including small modular reactors and next-generation power systems. 

Bryan’s membership builds on the city’s long history in energy infrastructure through Bryan Texas Utilities, the municipally owned electric utility that has served the community for more than a century, according to the release.

What they’re saying: Texas Nuclear Alliance President Reed Clay said in the release that Bryan is becoming a center for nuclear innovation through its connection to the Texas A&M University System’s RELLIS Campus and Energy Proving Ground, where advanced reactor technologies are being developed.

He said those partnerships, along with the city’s leadership and industrial base, could help drive economic growth and support the future of nuclear innovation in Texas.

A new and improved Whataburger will soon reopen in Bryan.

What you need to know: The Whataburger at the corner of South Texas Avenue and East 33rd Street has been under construction since December and will reopen in early April, officials with the Texas-based burger chain confirmed with Community Impact.
According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the reconstruction had a budget of $1.6 million.

Before you go: Although Whataburger did not confirm an official day of reopening, the restaurant is hiring now.

• Reopening in April
• 902 S. Texas Ave., Bryan

Texas A&M AgriLife renamed a major poultry science facility in honor of donors whose contributions have supported student training and research programs.

A news release from Texas A&M AgriLife on March 26 said the former Poultry Science Research, Teaching and Extension Center in College Station will now be known as the Barbara J. Huffman and William M. ‘Bill' Huffman ‘53 Poultry Science Farm Complex. Although it is colloquially known simply as “The Farm.”

About the center: The complex serves as a hub for hands-on instruction, research and industry collaboration within the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Poultry Science.

The facility supports teaching and research related to poultry and egg production and includes classrooms where students receive practical training alongside academic coursework.

Before you go: University leaders said the renaming recognizes 1953 graduate Bill Huffman, who was also a poultry judging champion, and his wife Barbara, for their financial support of the program and its future development.

• 1202 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, College Station

Check out some of the biggest government stories that came out of Bryan, College Station and Brazos County for the month of March. All stories were reported on by Community Impact.

Brazos County approves new medical examiner salaries
The Brazos County Commissioners Court, at a March 10 meeting, approved staff salaries for the county’s developing forensic services department after a discussion about cost and demand.

Bryan City Council approves $65M development agreement with Messer
Bryan City Council unanimously approved an economic development agreement at its March 10 meeting that will bring a $65.4 million industrial project to the city, creating at least 16 full-time jobs.

College Station redirects federal funds for affordable housing programs
College Station City Council approved changes to two federally funded housing programs at its March 26 meeting, redirecting more than $800,000 toward affordable housing initiatives as officials address rising housing costs and growing demand across the city.