SpaceX, the private space transport company led by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, is seeing its plans for a commercial space launch site in clearer focus, now that it's decided to build the first-of-its-kind facility in Texas.

The state's Gov. Rick Perry announced earlier this week the California-based company -- formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp. -- has ended a three-year location search by agreeing to establish the new complex in Boca Chica, a remote beach about 20 miles east of Brownsville, according to a story by The Space Recorder.

"Texas has been on the forefront of our nation's space exploration efforts for decades, so it is fitting that SpaceX has chosen our state as they expand the frontiers of commercial space flight," Perry said.

Perry said the project will initially bring about 300 SpaceX employees into Texas and $85 million in capital investment.

Ultimately, SpaceX plans to create 500 jobs over 10 years with more than $51 million annually in salaries, according to estimates by the Brownsville Economic Development Corp.

Texas is giving SpaceX a $2.3 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund and another $13 million to help the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corp. build infrastructure.

"SpaceX is excited to expand our work in Texas with the world's first commercial launch complex designed specifically for orbital missions," Musk said in The Space Recorder piece. "In addition to creating hundreds of high-tech jobs for the Texas workforce, this site will inspire students, expand the supplier base and attract tourists to the South Texas area."

Since 2003, SpaceX has tested rockets at McGregor, near Waco, and has maintained a workforce of more than 250.

The announced construction hinges on the approval of permits and an estimated $6.3 million in local incentives that area officials don't expect to be a problem.

Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez promised to make sure "SpaceX has everything they need in order to be successful in the greater Brownsville Borderplex."

One of the biggest challenges facing the project will be how to extend utilities to the remote area, which is surrounded by federal wildlife lands, as well as a state park.

SpaceX has already distinguished itself as the first private company to ferry cargo to and from the International Space Station, and is a leading competitor in a bid to carry astronauts into space.

As federal funding of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the nation's primary space agency, has been progressively cut over the years, commercial outfits like SpaceX have sought to fill the resulting transportation gap, as well as make space commerce both profitable and reliable.

SpaceX expects to stage an estimated 12 rocket launches for its commercial clients and foreign governments from Boca Chica as soon as as 2016, indicated Brownsville officials, the Recorder story said.

Brownsville beat out Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and other sites in Texas to host the SpaceX operation.

Boca Chica lost out to Cape Canaveral six decades ago when the United States space program was looking for its now-historic launch site.