Neighbors are challenging two state construction stormwater permits tied to a proposed Cedar Creek data center development, while Bastrop County commissioners tabled a request for expanded authority over large-scale industrial projects.

How we got here: Filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, permits identify a 304-acre portion of the broader 2,842-acre data center and Pacifico Energy power development as the BCG Cedar Creek Campus headed by Black Chamber Partners—an affiliate of hyperscale data center developer BlackChamber Group.

What's happening? Jamey and Julie Jenkins and Jereme and Katie Lewis, whose properties are surrounded by the proposed development, filed motions July 20 asking TCEQ to overturn the permits, citing drainage, hydrology and stormwater runoff concerns. 

The Black Chamber permit lists an estimated construction period of Sept. 1, 2026, through Oct. 1, 2028. According to TCEQ, the agency generally has 45 days to act on a motion to overturn; if it does not, the motion is denied.

What else? Bastrop County Commissioners on Aug. 10 again tabled a resolution that would declare the county's limited authority and ask the Texas Legislature for expanded powers over large-scale industrial projects, such as data centers.

Bastrop County spokesperson Lyndsey Schroeder said the tabled resolution will return during the Aug. 24 meeting at 9 a.m. in the Bastrop County Courthouse at 804 Pecan St.

Local shoppers can browse a range of vendors at the upcoming Main Street Market in Bastrop.

In a nutshell: Benefiting local food pantries, the two-day indoor shopping event will feature merchants selling candles, clothing, food, gifts, home decor, jewelry and more.

• Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• $6 (admission); $5 (with non-perishable food donation)
• Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center,1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop

The interior renovation of IBC Bank in Austin, a Walmart renovation in Round Rock and a new 7 Brew in Leander are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. IBC Bank Plaza interior renovations ($6 million): This project involves the partial interior finish-out of four levels in the building, including renovations of shared core spaces, elevator lobbies and common corridors on floors 6-13.

2. Pease Community Campus Phase 1 ($2.1 million): Pease Elementary School in downtown Austin is being transformed into the Pease Community Campus.

3. Walmart renovation ($1.3 million): This project includes an interior and exterior remodel of an existing Walmart in Round Rock.

4. Tim Hortons ($750,000): This project involves the renovation of an existing 3,107 square foot space to a Tim Hortons.

5. 7 Brew ($400,000): A new 7 Brew location is coming to Leander. The drive-thru coffee shop will be 510 square feet, with construction set to wrap up this fall.

📰 Texas to pause new data center projects until audit is conducted, Gov. Abbott says

Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas—the state utility regulator and grid operator, respectively—to conduct “a comprehensive verification and audit” of all data center applicants “before any additional data centers are approved to move forward.” Read here.

🎒 85K students will use new Texas Education Freedom Accounts this school year

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program gives families state funds to send their children to private schools or homeschool them, with priority going to students with disabilities and children from low-income households. Read more.

🗳️ County officials say Texas law allowing more weekend voting will delay election results, spike costs

Within the next year, Texans will likely see changes to when they can vote early in elections, including expanded weekend voting hours. Election officials say they have concerns. Read now.