Buc-ee’s has stores in more than two dozen cities throughout Texas. GOOGLE MAP ©2016 GOOGL

Buc-ee’s is coming to Katy after the Katy City Council Monday night unanimously approved an economic development agreement to bring the popular convenience store and gas station chain to the city.

Kayce Reina, director of marketing and tourism for the city of Katy, said the new Buc-ee’s will be located at the northeast corner of I-10 and the new Cane Island Parkway, easily accessible from the new Cane Island overpass and exit ramps from I-10, set to open March 22.

“We thought Katy was the perfect match,” said Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, co-founder and CEO of Buc-ee’s. “We think it’s a great opportunity. It will be a large facility.”

Aplin—who was present at Monday’s meeting—said plans are still in the development stage for the new Buc-ee’s, but the store is expected to be at least 50,000-square-feet with an estimated 100 gas pumps and all the chain’s signature food offerings, including the famously clean restrooms and Texas-themed gifts.

Construction on the new Buc-ee’s is set to begin this summer and expected to be completed by summer 2017.

Katy City Administrator Byron Hebert said he was extremely excited to have a Buc-ee’s in Katy, predicting the new store would generate an estimated $25 million in sales tax revenue per year for the city.

“It’s good for the city of Katy,” Hebert said. “It’s a good economic addition for us. For us, being the door [to Houston] on the west for travelers going east, it’s going to bring tourists to the city along with [Typhoon Texas].”

Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes also expressed his gratitude to Aplin for choosing Katy and said the expected $25 million in sales tax revenue will be a big boost to the city.

Katy City Council Member Chuck Brawner said the Buc-ee’s and the new Ron Hoover RV & Marine dealership on the south side of I-10 will attract travelers from the interstate to both businesses.

“We’ll be able to get a little income,” Brawner said. “It’s a win-win for the property owners and the citizens driving through.”

Council approves hiring of new fire chief

Russell Wilson, an assistant fire chief at the Irving Fire Department, was unanimously approved by the Katy City Council as the city’s new fire chief.

Russell is expected to begin work on May 2, replacing outgoing Fire Chief Rufus Summers.

“Coming to Katy and just seeing the close-knit community and community atmosphere, that was one of the reasons I was drawn here,” Wilson said. “The explosive growth in the community and knowing the need that will follow is a great attraction for me.”

Wilson has been with the Irving Fire Department for more than 27 years and has a master’s degree in fire and emergency management administration from Oklahoma State University. He serves as the public information officer for the Irving Fire Department as well as managing the emergency medical services and fire prevention divisions.

Hughes used part of  his closing comments to praise Wilson and thank him for accepting the job.

“We know where you came from and what you’re all about,” Hughes said. “We’re excited to see what you can do.”

Article by Jeff Forward via Katy Community Impact Newspaper