Infomaniacs: September 30, 2015 (8:00am)

Private Energy Company Withdraws Its Interest In Building Nuclear Reactors Next To A BTU Power Plant

A privately owned energy company withdraws its request to the Bryan city council to buy land to build two small nuclear reactors next to a BTU power plant. The proposal from Last Energy for a purchase agreement option was on the agenda for Tuesday’s Bryan city council meeting (May 5). Click HERE to read city of Bryan background information about the proposal that has been removed from the agenda of the May 5, 2026 city council meeting. A city statement did not include why Last Energy withdrew what the city described as “near-term development plans”. But the city statement also says Last Energy “expressed interest in potentially working together in the future as the company continues its expansion in Texas.” The property option contract that was withdrawn was sought by Last Energy as part of a nuclear plant application with a state agency that required a site location. The property was located next to BTU’s Dansby natural gas power plant between Lake Bryan and Benchley. If the sale had happened, BTU would have had have no interest in owning or operating two proposed reactors and a research and development building. City of Bryan statement about Last Energy withdrawing its request to buy land from the city: The City of Bryan today acknowledged that Last Energy has informed the city and Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) of its decision to withdraw its near-term development plans for a small modular reactor (SMR) facility in Bryan. City Council was scheduled to consider approving a contract for the project at the Tuesday, May 5 council meeting. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the City of Bryan,” a Last Energy representative said in conveying their appreciation for the partnership, and expressed interest in potentially working together in the future as the company continues its expansion in Texas. The City of Bryan, BTU and Last Energy had previously entered into a memorandum of understanding to evaluate the deployment of advanced nuclear technology and the potential siting of manufacturing operations in Bryan. The city looks forward to future dialogue around manufacturing opportunities. “We respect Last Energy’s decision and appreciate their transparency throughout this process,” said Bryan City Manager Andrew Nelson. “They have been an outstanding partner, and we are grateful for the time, effort and collaboration that went into exploring this opportunity together.” The City of Bryan remains committed to advancing innovative energy solutions, strengthening grid reliability and supporting economic development opportunities that benefit residents and businesses. “We continue to believe Bryan is uniquely positioned to lead in next-generation energy and advanced manufacturing,” Nelson added. “We will keep pursuing opportunities that bring long-term value to our community.”

Suspicious Death Investigation At College Station’s Bee Creek Park

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to College Station’s Bee Creek Park Monday night (May 4) to begin the investigation of a man’s suspicious death. The unidentified man was found by someone walking in the park. The investigation caused the closure of part of a walkway behind the baseball fields. The man’s name has not been released. Joining CSPD were members of the Bryan and Texas A&M police departments.

Citizen’s Petition Drive Underway Pursuing A City Of Bryan Charter Amendment Election To Remove The Texas Avenue Median

The city of Bryan, at the request of WTAW News, has issued a statement about a citizen’s group effort to have a charter election this November to remove the median on Texas Avenue. The city statement says there cannot be a direct comment about the petition drive at this time (May 4) because the city has not received signatures. A city spokesman tells WTAW News that 2,492 signatures are needed. The deadline for city staff to order an election is August 17. There is not a definitive deadline for receiving the petition, but staff would need to receive it with enough time to verify all signatures before August 17. A news release from petition organizers says the goal is to submit signatures by the end of June. The city statement says if the election is held and the charter amendment passes, then the city will have a judge evaluate the amendment to determine if it is valid. The city statement defines the charter as the local version of a constitution. Petition organizers want to add a section to the charter to remove the Texas Avenue median from Rosemary to south of Highway 21. Statement from the city of Bryan as requested by WTAW News: The City of Bryan has not received a petition for a charter amendment and as such cannot comment directly on specific petitions. A city charter is the fundamental governing document of a city, like a local constitution. It establishes the city and defines its function, setting out the authority and powers of the city, structure of the government, and process by which the government exercises its authority. The charter cannot conflict with state or federal constitutions and laws, nor obligate the state or federal government. Regular operations of the city and financial decisions are not included in charters. Rather, city ordinances are used to regulate budgets, administrative matters, safety and specific public conduct. If a valid petition for a charter amendment is filed, a city will be required to hold an election, incurring the expense associated with holding the election, even if the petition proposes something to be included in a charter that the city has no authority to regulate. If such an amendment passes in the election, the city will need to expend additional funds for a court to evaluate the proposed amendment and determine whether it is valid.