Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials planned to discuss ceding control of more than 1,000 acres of public land in Cameron County, according to a draft agenda reviewed by The Texas Tribune. The item was later removed from the final agenda for the commission's early November meeting. The agency has since asked the Texas attorney general's office to block release of the draft agenda, the Tribune reported.
The agency owns nearly 500 parcels in Cameron County, according to the county appraisal district. One of the largest is Boca Chica State Park, about 1,060 acres near SpaceX's operations. Elon Musk's rocket company has bought more land near the park over the past decade. Locals and environmental groups have expressed concern that the company could gain more control of the park, the Tribune reported.
On Oct. 19, the Tribune requested the draft agenda after Texas Monthly reported that commissioners were expected to discuss the sale of 1,300 acres, reportedly to SpaceX, in a closed session. Last month, the city of Starbase, where SpaceX employees hold many local government roles, completed the annexation of more than 7,100 acres that includes much of the park. Officials have said annexation does not transfer ownership of the land.