Cameron County commissioners approved a 95% tax break for Saronic Technologies, a shipbuilding company that plans to build autonomous maritime vessels at a new facility in the county.

The tax break is tied to Saronic's proposed Port Alpha Shipyard project at the Port of Brownsville and will last 10 years.

As previously reported, Saronic Technologies is looking at the port as a possible site for a new shipyard. The company focuses on creating AI-driven, autonomous surface vessels, or self-directed ships, for possible naval warfare.

The company is also considering a location in Virginia.

County commissioners previously tabled a decision on the tax abatement.

The vote drew passionate responses from people on both sides, but commissioners ultimately approved the incentive.

County Judge Eddie Treviño said the vote is about the promise of what Saronic will bring — money, opportunity and jobs.

Treviño said the county expects Saronic to follow all state and federal regulations and to keep its investment and job promise.

If the company does not meet those commitments, the tax break could be reduced.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.