Brownsville LNG workforce housing
Last updated 2026-10-19 · Facts as published by the sources listed below. We are not affiliated with this project.
Project facts
| Location | Brownsville area, Cameron County · Rio Grande Valley |
|---|---|
| Projects | Rio Grande LNG (NextDecade) and Texas LNG (Glenfarne) [1] |
| Workforce | About 7,500 at peak; more than 6,000 on site in Aug 2026, over 70% from the RGV [2] |
| Schedule | First LNG expected 2027 [1] |
Where crews live today
Local workers
Most of the workforce lives in the Valley already. [2]
Traveling crafts
Hotels and rentals in Brownsville, Harlingen, and South Padre Island (GSA $123–$160 seasonally on the island). [3]
Option 3: own your beds
Hotels, RV parks, and operator camps are all rentals. The third option is to own crew units on land you lease or buy near the work, then move or resell them at the end. Three things decide whether it works:
Land
A level, drained site with truck access for 16 ft wide loads. Leased ranch or industrial land near the gate is common.
Permits: city vs. county
Inside Brownsville city limits, zoning and any RV park or temporary housing ordinance apply first, so start with the city planning office. Outside city limits, Cameron County has more limited zoning power, but on-site sewage facilities (septic) need permits under TCEQ rules administered locally, subdivision or plat rules can apply, and fire and road access still matter. Housing three or more workers for more than three days can also trigger a TDHCA Migrant Labor Housing Facility license in some cases; ask counsel how it applies to your crew.
Coastal counties have higher wind requirements; tell us the county so the quote reflects them.
Utilities
Water (city, well, or hauled), wastewater (sewer, septic, or holding tanks), and power service sized for every room’s PTAC and water heater. See what a camp needs.
Cost comparison
| Option | Published cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel at the GSA Brownsville, Cameron County (standard rate; South Padre Island is higher) rate | $113 / night ≈ $3,435 / month per worker | Federal FY2027 lodging rate; actual rates rise with demand |
| Operator camp | Contract rate per bed | Often bundled services and multi-year minimums |
| Owned crew units | Run the calculator | Units, freight and set, site work, minus resale. See cost per bed |
Planning mix
- Traveling crew of 50: 10 × 5-bed crew units
- Supervisors: suite units
Units: 16×76 5-Bed, 5-Bath Crew Unit (Shared Kitchen)16×76 5-Room Sleeper (No Kitchen)7-Room High-Density Sleeper16×76 4-Suite Unit (Four Full Kitchens)
Delivery
Brownsville is about 255 miles from Seguin, TX in a straight line; road miles are longer. Units travel as 16 ft wide oversize loads with permits. Delivery lead time depends on whether units are in stock or need a build slot. Ask us for a current timeline to Cameron County.
Common questions
How many workers are building Rio Grande LNG?
NextDecade cites about 7,500 at peak; more than 6,000 were on site in August 2026.
How fast can crew units be set up near Brownsville?
Units can be delivered once pads, access, and utilities are ready, and site work usually sets the schedule. Lead times depend on stock and build slots; ask us for a current timeline.
Can I own crew housing near Brownsville instead of renting?
Yes, if you can lease or buy land and permit it. Compare owning with hotels at the GSA rate ($113 a night) in the break-even calculator.
Sources
- NextDecade, Rio Grande LNG (checked Oct 2026)
- Texas Border Business, NextDecade finds the workforce it needs in the RGV (Aug 20, 2026)
- GSA FY2027 per diem rates file (Texas non-standard areas: Midland/Odessa $136, Pecos $125, Big Spring $133) (downloaded Oct 19, 2026)
Last updated 2026-10-19. Figures are as published by each source on the date shown; re-check before you budget.
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