UFP Industries, a manufacturing facility near New Waverly expected to retain about 500 jobs and invest more than $6 million, was nominated by Walker County for a five-year Texas Enterprise Zone designation that could provide up to $1.25 million in state sales-tax refunds over five years.

Stephanie Smith told commissioners the county EDC has received 114 RFIs and is pursuing site-readiness work and opportunity-zone designation; she invited commissioners to an Aug. 6 workshop and asked for renewed county financial support.