Cameron County leaders proposed a public-private partnership with Fluidstack data center and Harlingen. Here’s what the deal could be

A previously pitched public-private partnership that included a $20 million community benefits agreement, plus $7 million in donated drainage improvements near the Valley International Airport in Harlingen, fell through in recent weeks. 

But the deal could be revived soon if a collaborative effort to forge a community benefits agreement and interlocal contract is approved. 

Cameron County leaders approached the Harlingen City Commission in late October to request a memorandum of understanding between the two municipal entities to coordinate regulation and administrative approval of a massive data center under construction between Harlingen and Rio Hondo within the county’s jurisdiction. 

Cameron County Commissioner David Garza and county administrator Pete Sepulveda Jr. jointly presented the deal.