MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The highly anticipated arrival of Texas-based travel center giant Buc-ee’s moved closer to reality Friday as a formal petition for annexation was filed with the City of Mansfield, Richland County, and Madison and Mifflin Townships.
Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry confirmed the filing, which covers the development of a massive travel center at the interchange of Interstate 71 and State Route 39. While the project has been in development behind the scenes for months, the annexation petition marks the first major public milestone for the “destination” retailer in Richland County.
The project is moving forward as a Type 2 annexation. Under this legal structure, the involved townships will retain their existing tax revenues, while the City of Mansfield will collect municipal income tax and utility revenues for water and sewer services. Richland County is expected to see a significant boost in sales tax collection.
“A development of this size doesn’t come around all that often,” Mayor Perry said in a statement. “It’s more than a gas station or restaurant or retail store. It’s a destination and experience that will undoubtedly make a substantial impact on our community.”
Beyond the brand’s cult-following for its brisket and “Wall of Jerky,” city officials highlighted the economic benefits, including the creation of high-paying jobs and new infrastructure revenue.
While the filing is a significant milestone, Perry noted that the project remains in the final stages of the due diligence process. Several administrative steps remain before the project is officially approved and a construction timeline is established.