SpaceX has secured tax incentives for its proposed Terafab semiconductor plant in Grimes County, Texas, overcoming fierce opposition from residents who fear the project will strain local resources and transform their rural community.
The vote followed a heated hearing where over 100 residents warned of impacts on water and power supplies, wildlife, and the county's rural character. Grimes County, home to 34,000 people, is known for its ranches, open land, and dark night skies.
The chip facility is central to SpaceX's ambition to expand beyond rockets into advanced computing and domestic semiconductor production-a key pillar of the company's growth story. This move comes as SpaceX prepares for what could be the largest IPO in history, with plans to price shares at $135 each, targeting a valuation of $1.75 trillion and raising a record $75 billion.