Court of Appeals in Texarkana Dismisses Hooks ISD Suit Against TexAmericas Center

The Sixth Court of Appeals in Texarkana has ruled in favor of TexAmericas Center, dismissing a lawsuit filed by Hooks Independent School District over payments tied to the organization’s Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) program.

Appeals Court Reverses Lower Court Decision

In a decision issued February 25, 2026, the three-judge appellate panel reversed a lower court ruling and ordered all claims from Hooks ISD dismissed.

The district had argued TexAmericas Center failed to pay the full amount it believed was owed under a PILOT agreement and sought more than $1 million in additional payments. However, the appeals court determined the district failed to identify a qualifying written contract to support its claim.

Because of that finding, the court ruled TexAmericas Center’s governmental immunity was not waived, meaning the organization cannot be sued in the case.

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Lawsuit Centered on PILOT Payment Dispute

Hooks ISD claimed the industrial park operator owed additional funds under the PILOT program, which allows companies located at TexAmericas Center to make negotiated payments that support local taxing entities.

The appellate ruling ends the case unless further appeals are pursued.

PILOT Program Designed to Attract Jobs

TexAmericas Center created its PILOT program in 2020 to help attract employers and investment to the former Red River Army Depot property while still providing revenue to local taxing entities.

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Since the program began, the organization reports 41 employer partnerships tied to the program. TexAmericas Center says the site currently supports 1,536 jobs and generated $95.2 million in payroll in 2025, with more than 1.4 million square feet of former military facilities now reused by private businesses.

Officials say the organization will continue focusing on economic development and job creation across the Texarkana region.