THE TEXAS BRIEF
Good morning, Texans!
Today’s Texas business moves center on power availability, industrial expansion, and long-dated public investment — from how AI infrastructure gets powered, to where manufacturing and defense capital are landing across the state.
Several of the most consequential developments focus on solving constraints rather than chasing growth. Proposals to supply power directly to data centers, new steel production capacity moving toward commercial scale, and multiyear defense contracts all point to capital being deployed where reliability and endurance matter most.
These moves offer a clear preview of how Texas is addressing structural bottlenecks and where institutional money continues to concentrate.
TEXAS BUSINESS MOVES
1. Power Constraints Push AI Toward Nuclear Options
Dallas-based HGP Intelligent Energy is proposing to repurpose decommissioned Navy nuclear reactors to supply power directly to AI-driven data centers. → Link
Why it matters: Grid access is now a gating factor for compute. When operators explore nuclear alternatives, it signals how scarce and valuable reliable power has become.
2. Industrial Manufacturing Expands in Greater Houston
After validating its technology and securing $17M in funding, Conroe startup Hertha Metals plans a full-scale steel facility that could create hundreds of jobs and reduce import reliance. → Link
Why it matters: The biggest winners aren’t always the data centers — they’re the firms keeping them operational.
3. Defense Capital Anchors Long-Term Work in San Antonio
Port San Antonio lands role in $2B Boeing contract to modernize B-52 bombers, extending through 2033.→ Link
Why it matters: Defense contracts lock in decade-long employment, infrastructure, and vendor ecosystems, insulating regional economies from short-term cycles.
4. Institutional Capital Doubles Down on Houston Logistics
A Los Angeles-based real estate fund acquires 1M-square-foot Houston distribution portfolio (six warehouses) in Houston’s most competitive industrial submarkets. → Link
Why it matters: Large logistics portfolios continue trading because Houston distribution is viewed as core infrastructure, not discretionary real estate.
5. Public Incentives Target Urban Repositioning in Dallas
Dallas is reviewing incentive packages tied to large redevelopment efforts, including a deck park over I-35E. → Link
Why it matters: Cities are increasingly using public capital to reshape land use and long-term value, not just close individual deals.
Secondary Signals (Still Worth Knowing)
Texas previewed its first new North Texas state park in 25 years, with Palo Pinto Mountains State Park ahead of a 2026 opening. → Link
A major master-planned community in New Braunfels continues expanding alongside new public school construction. → Link
Dale Petroskey announced his departure as CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber after a transformative tenure. → Link
One Sentence Takeaway
In the last 48 hours, Texas capital moved toward power security, industrial depth, and projects built to last — not quick wins.
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— Robert
Editor, Texas Operator