A developer, Fluidstack, has launched the $4 billion first phase of a 1,100‑acre data‑center project east of Valley International Airport between Harlingen and Rio Hondo. The company offered Harlingen $20 million for a storm‑water discharge permit and $7 million to widen the 90‑foot canal, while commissioners consider a town‑hall meeting. Rio Grande Valley residents will note the massive data‑center plan.

Harlingen school trustees are using a state disaster‑relief program to raise the district’s property tax rate by about 3.17 cents for one year, from 0.9182 to 0.9499, to pay for repairs after the March 2025 flood. City commissioners are also proposing a half‑cent increase, from 0.5260 to 0.5310 per $100 valuation, with a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

East Point Energy said its 100‑megawatt battery storage plant on a six‑acre site off Grimes Street and Loop 499, south of Valley International Airport in Harlingen, is ready to power the grid and can serve up to 80,000 homes for two hours. Officials said the plant will bring $19 million in tax revenue over its 20‑ to 30‑year life, was built with fire‑department training, and Rep. Janie Lopez urged more battery projects.

Harlingen Independent School District announced that Superintendent Veronica Kortan will serve under a new contract extending to June 30, 2029, with a salary of $260,100, up from $255,000. The agreement adds a $700 monthly transportation stipend, a $200 phone and internet allowance, and a $1 million term‑life insurance policy, while retaining benefits. Kortan, who was appointed in March 2025 after a two‑month internal search, will continue leading the district through its financial recovery.

Harlingen officials are planning a town‑hall meeting to consider Fluidstack’s request to discharge runoff from a proposed data‑center project into a city‑owned canal, with commissioners slated to vote on the request after hearing public input.

Developers of Fluidstack propose a data center campus covering hundreds of acres between Harlingen and Rio Hondo and are asking city commissioners to approve discharge of site runoff into a major canal near Valley International Airport, with Commissioner Daniel Lopez noting the 90‑foot channel may be insufficient for stormwater. Commissioners will meet in a closed session, and Fluidstack’s website

Harlingen officials announced a plan to revamp municipal lighting and seek International Dark Sky Community certification, aiming to cut light pollution, protect wildlife and promote eco‑tourism, with the effort requiring homeowners and businesses to transition to downward‑directed fixtures but no new regulations have been enacted yet. The city commission said the designation would improve public