According to a recent article in the Austin American Statesman, the Bastrop City Council has unanimously approved a development agreement between the city and Alton Butler II, the founder and owner of Line 204 Studios, for a proposed 546-acre film studio project. The land will be annexed into the city to obtain city services, and of course pay taxes! Butler is the owner of Line 204 Studios, a Southern California-based independent studio and production rental company that rents equipment, sound stages and props.

The proposed development known as Bastrop 552 Development would comprise 546 acres in Bastrop. The primary use will be a film studio but it will include a mixture of uses, such as recreation, studio space and other accommodations that serve the studio and its customers.

The development is proposed to be completed in phases over six years, and will create more than 1,400 jobs over several years as well as 700 construction jobs, according to a presentation by Line 204 Studios. The private facility is expected to generate a $2 billion economic impact over 10 years.

The Bastrop City Council still needs to approve changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use map and Master Transportation Plan and Street Grid map, in addition to approving the public frontage plan and negotiating an incentive agreement, among other steps, before the development gets the green light to proceed.