Hudspeth County confirms $15 billion proposed data center

HUDSPETH COUNTY, Texas (KVIA) -- A $15 billion data center project has been set for Hudspeth County, according to County Judge Joanna MacKenzie. Construction could start as early as 2027.

In a social media post, the county said ServerDomes Global is one of the organizations involved in the project. The company is based in Boise, Idaho.

According to the county judge, the project is expected to bring 800 construction jobs that will take four to five years. After completion, an estimated 200-300 permanent jobs will be available.

The county judge said the data center is located on private property in the Desert Haven area. Additionally, she said the project isn't requesting tax abatements from the county. Potential taxable value and resulting tax revenue haven't been determined.

Project managers started helping with grading private roads following community concerns, the judge said. Agreements on road use involving county roads are in talks.

Judge MacKenzie learned the facility will make its own electricity. She said it will draw water from the property once during initial startup. It won't withdraw water after. MacKenzie said the aquifer recharges.

The county is seeking information confirming that the facility won't impact surrounding water users.

MacKenzie said she had "very little information" about the proposed data center before organizers confirmed their plans.

She said she visited the site Thursday to speak with contractors and others involved. She said project representatives recognized that conversation with local government and the community should have started sooner.

Since the judge's visit, project representatives have been in talks with Hudspeth County, according to MacKenzie.

The Commissioners Court invited project representatives to provide more information and answer questions about the facility.