New City of Starbase Established in South Texas
Residents of a South Texas community, formerly known as Boca Chica, voted overwhelmingly on Saturday to officially incorporate a new city named Starbase, marking a significant milestone for SpaceX founder Elon Musk. With 212 out of 218 votes in favor, the establishment of Starbase fulfills Musk’s long-standing vision for the area, which has been the epicenter of SpaceX’s operations since 2014.
The newly designated city spans approximately 1.5 square miles along the Texas-Mexico border and houses around 500 inhabitants, most of whom work for SpaceX. The community, primarily comprised of renters, has seen an influx of employees drawn by the company’s ambitious projects, including rocket launches.
Musk has frequently referred to the region as Starbase on social media, expressing his fondness for the locale where he rents a modest home. The push for official city status began with a petition submitted by residents last December, leading to this weekend’s vote.
As a newly incorporated municipality, Starbase will have the autonomy to create its own police and fire departments and enact local ordinances. However, it will also face challenges, such as taking on road maintenance previously handled by the county. Notably, incorporation permits eligibility for state and federal grants and provides certain legal protections.
Attorney Alan Bojorquez noted the responsibilities municipalities must manage, such as infrastructure, while expressing the potential benefits that could accompany the transition. Following the successful vote, Musk remarked, “Starbase started with one shovel,” signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the community’s development.
This incorporation represents more than just a name change; it symbolizes the ongoing evolution of a community deeply intertwined with the future of space exploration.
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