Blinn College Trustees Hear Update On New Bryan Administration Building And Discuss Summer Enrollment Numbers

Small Nuclear Power Plants To Be Built On The RELLIS Campus

Nuclear power plants are coming to the Texas A&M system’s RELLIS campus in west Bryan. System chancellor John Sharp told reporters Wednesday (May 29) that they have targeted locations to build four or five reactors from different manufacturers that would take care of rising electrical demand on a permanent basis. Sharp says they have been working on this project for more than six months. He says his interest came after looking at power projections for companies involved in artificial intelligence. Joining the chancellor at Wednesday’s news conference was Dr. Sean McDeavitt, a system associate vice chancellor who heads the National Laboratories Office. McDeavitt and Sharp both brought up the student involvement in this project. McDeavitt said the student education component is a key element in the request for information (RFI) process that has started. Sharp said companies can respond to the system’s RFI announcement for three weeks. That will be followed by a 30 day period for requests for proposals (RFP). After the RFP’s are reviewed by a committee, Sharp says recommendations will go to the board of regents for final action. Wednesday’s announcement comes the week after Sharp said the system was taking proposals to build power plants on system properties around the state to provide electricity on a short term basis. Click below to hear comments from John Sharp and Sean McDeavitt, visiting with reporters on May 29, 2024: Listen to “Small nuclear power plants to be built on the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus” on Spreaker.   News release from the Texas A&M system: Leaders at The Texas A&M University System announced plans Wednesday to bring the latest nuclear reactors to the Texas A&M-RELLIS. John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System, said the System seeks to provide a platform for companies to test the latest reactors and technologies. It also will address the pressing need for increased power supply. “As Texas continues to grow, it is critical that we add more reliable, dispatchable power for all Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas A&M’s announcement to bring advanced nuclear technologies to its RELLIS campus is essential for Texas to expand our nuclear power capabilities that will help bolster our electric grid. Nuclear energy will continue to play an integral role in Texas so we can continue to meet the energy needs of our great state for generations to come.” The next generation of nuclear reactors, with a potential power capacity ranging from 10 MW to 1 GW, have the potential to revolutionize power generation and meet the vast energy requirements of Texas. The new generation of reactors also could provide vital power sources for artificial intelligence companies, Sharp said. “We at the Texas A&M University System understand the global need for more power,” Sharp said. “And we are positioned to bolster our grid and to provide the power for the latest technologies. We believe that nuclear power is the only solution to provide quick, clean, carbon-free and reliable energy to prevent blackouts and to foster innovation.” To kickstart the latest nuclear initiative, the Texas A&M System will be seeking information – and later proposals – from manufacturers of nuclear reactors. Ultimately, the site could host multiple electrical power-generating facilities, and it could host first-of-a-kind reactors with a net increase of up to 1 GW of capacity that will have a direct connection to the grid operated by Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., or as it is more commonly called, ERCOT. Sharp said the Texas A&M System is committed to developing power generation capabilities to ensure reliable electrical power provision to the RELLIS campus. “This effort at Texas A&M-RELLIS will usher in a new era of sustainable and reliable power generation,” Sharp said. Representatives from the System and from the companies hope to stand up operational reactors within the next five to seven years.

Bryan Firefighters Training At The Former Bryan ISD Administration Building Before It Comes Down

Before Brazos County demolishes the former Bryan ISD administration building, Bryan firefighters have been given permission to conduct two weeks of training. Firefighter Chris Lamb tells WTAW News that training will take place during daytime and nighttime hours. The training will involve firefighters from all BFD stations. And the exercises will include the use of artificial smoke that is expected to been seen outside the building. Click below to hear comments from Chris Lamb, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver.   Earlier this month, Brazos County commissioners were told it will take $61 million dollars to redevelop the land after the former Bryan ISD administration building is imploded later this summer. Commissioners expressed no opposition during their May 7th meeting to recommendations made by the county’s project manager. Trevor Lansdown presented plans for a three story building that would be occupied by the precinct 4 justice of the peace and constable’s departments, adult probation, and the public defender’s office. The new building will also have its own parking garage. Lansdown says that is to keep employees from having to cross Texas to get to the Roy Kelly parking garage. There will also be a skywalk over Texas connecting the new building to the courthouse. Lansdown said that is because people working in the new building have regular business in the courthouse.

Brazos County Commissioners Asked To Tell The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission It Opposes A Liquor License Application

The Brazos County commission is asked to tell the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission that it opposes a liquor license application. Four homeowners who made the request during public comments at Tuesday’s (May 28) meeting live near the site of a proposed music and events venue on Jones Road west of Highway 47 and north of FM 60. At the end of the commission meeting when commissioners can propose future agenda items, the only reference to the TABC request was when commissioner Steve Aldrich asked legal staff to research if the county can create its own alcoholic beverage permit. Click below to hear public speaker comments and remarks from commissioner Steve Aldrich during the May 28, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting. Listen to “Brazos County commissioners asked to tell the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission it opposes a liquor license application” on Spreaker.