Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the new Braven Environmental facility in Texarkana as part of the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. Signaling a boon for the local economy, this project is expected to inject over $145 million in capital investment. According to the Office of the Texas Governor, Braven Environmental, a company specializing in waste plastics recycling solutions, will set up an advanced recycling plant catering to the future of sustainability and employment within Bowie County.
In praising the investment, Abbott highlighted Texas as a hub for innovative technologies producing modern-day goods. “With a $145 million investment in a state-of-the-art advanced recycling facility in Texarkana, Braven Environmental is making a significant investment in the future of Bowie County and our great state," Governor Abbott remarked in a statement obtained by the Office of the Texas Governor. The JETI program, fostering these types of developments, aims to attract business investments and generate good-paying jobs across the state.
Senator Bryan Hughes commended the move, noting Braven Environmental's choice underscores Texas's status as a beacon for economic opportunity and innovation. “This project will strengthen our local economy and advance sustainability with high-quality jobs and cutting-edge technology," Hughes told the Office of the Texas Governor.
Adding to the euphoria of the announcement, Representative Gary VanDeaver said from House District 1 how "thrilled" he was about Braven being approved as the next JETI project to be located at the TexAmericas Center. "I appreciate Braven choosing our corner of Northeast Texas as the next location for their cutting-edge environmental facility," VanDeaver remarked. He extended thanks to all parties involved, including the Governor's Office and Hooks ISD, who have shown strong support for this initiative.
Jim Simon, Braven Environmental CEO, noted the significance of the support from state and local governments in their location consideration process. “We deeply appreciate the strong support we’ve received from the Governor’s Office of the great State of Texas, Hooks ISD, and the TexAmericas Center," said Simon, as per Office of the Texas Governor.
Excitement also stems from the educational sector, with Hooks ISD Board of Trustees expressing enthusiasm about forging a new partnership and the prospective benefits for the community. “The opportunity to enter into the mutually beneficial agreement created with the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation program will provide substantial job and economic growth in our community well into the future," the school district's board stated firmly, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
TexAmericas Center's prospects are set to broaden with this expansion, as Executive Director & CEO Scott Norton acknowledges the combined efforts that have brought this to fruition. Norton said, “Our ability to work with Bowie County, Texarkana College, Hooks ISD, and the regional utility providers to meet the unique needs of Braven Environmental reinforces TexAmericas Center's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability within the Texarkana region.” He looks forward to this investment's role in empowering the green energy sector and providing quality job opportunities for locals, as per the Office of the Texas Governor.
