The Buc-ee's brand, known for its expansive travel centers and beaver logo, is tentatively setting its sights on San Marcos as a new location for highway-goers and locals alike. Discussions are on the agenda for the San Marcos City Council, which is considering a proposal to provide tax incentives for the roadside attraction. According to a report by the San Antonio Express-News, "Buc-ee's LLC is seeking to construct a 74,000-square-foot family travel center on the southbound frontage of I-35 south of the Yarrington Road intersection."
Speculation about a new outpost for the convenience giant has been swirling among the I-35 corridor communities, with some saying there's a gap ripe for the chain's presence between New Braunfels and Kyle. The Express-News detailed proposed incentives for the project, highlighting a potential 50% sales tax rebate for 15 years, with the caveat of equal participation by Hays County. The city is looking to reel in an anticipated $3.2 million in sales taxes during the span of the agreement, a significant addition to local coffers.
The proposed facility is not a modest one, boasting 120 fueling stations and infrastructure to support electric vehicles. The site, bordering a 22-acre swath of land just a tick south on I-35 from downtown Austin, would be located at a convenient midpoint for travelers coming from or heading to San Antonio. Moreover, the city documents referenced by the Express-News point to a hopeful creation of a minimum of 175 full-time jobs, hinging on a $50 million investment from Buc-ee's LLC.
Added to the economic promise of new employment opportunities, the company plans to staff between 200 to 225 employees, featuring a compelling starting wage at $18 per hour, complete with benefits. Express-News reported that, in line with the proposed terms, there will be no property tax rebates for the Buc-ee's, ensuring that the city, county, and school district continue to collect property taxes projected at about $205,000 in year one and $452,000 by year 15. Further supplementing community investments, Buc-ee's must donate $100,000 to the City of San Marcos Community Fund within 100 days of opening its doors.
While the nearest Buc-ee's is only 20 miles south in New Braunfels, local excitement is evident in social media forums as reported by the MySanAntonio. Buc-ee's fans online conversed about the possibility of a San Marcos location, evidently sparked by comments from employees hinting at the chain's expansion plans. Whether this will culminate in the largest or smallest Buc-ee's remains to be seen, but the anticipation is palpable.
