Citizens Pack Court Over Data Center
A standing-room-only crowd filled the Young County Commissioners Court chambers on Oct. 14 to debate a proposed multi-billion- dollar data center project that could bring hundreds of jobs and millions in new tax revenue to the county.
Although the item was not on the agenda, Judge Win Graham permitted speakers from both sides to present their views during public comment, underscoring the community’s interest in the development.
Supporters of the project pointed to its scale and potential economic impact. The proposal calls for nine to 16 buildings, each employing 25 to 30 workers at salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 per year. Judge Graham said the facility could be on the tax rolls within four to five years, offering relief to the Olney Hamilton Hospital District, Newcastle ISD, and Graham ISD, Graham Regional Hospital and North Central Texas College.
“This would be big money for the hospital districts,” Judge Graham said, noting that 38 percent of the proposed site falls within the Olney hospital district’s boundaries.
The company has also pledged not to draw on local water supplies, opting instead to use air-cooling systems. The trade-off, Judge Graham said, is greater electricity demand. Still, he described the issue as “fixable,” citing advances in solar power, battery storage, and the development of small-scale nuclear units.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Alan Craig said the state needed to add capacity to the grid anyway. “This isn’t just a local issue— it impacts the whole market,” Mr. Craig said.
Opponents countered that the project threatens farmland and the rural quality of life that residents value.
Chris Anderle of Graham, speaking against the data center, warned that agricultural land across the country is already diminishing. “At some point, we may not be able to feed ourselves with food grown here,” he said. He also cited concerns about the constant hum of cooling equipment, light pollution, and the impact on scenic spaces like Lake Graham and the local golf course.
Mr. Anderle questioned whether the county would see the promised revenue, pointing to the limited benefits residents perceive from wind and solar projects. “If they’re bringing in so much, why is the county still in trouble?” he asked, urging commissioners to consider recruiting manufacturing plants that could deliver jobs without the same trade-offs.
Judge Graham said that recent renewable energy projects have already begun to make a difference. The newest wind farm and hydrogen plant under construction brought $1.2 million to the county’s revenue line this year.
Resident Ryan Mote has issued a community invitation to view the data center site from his neighboring fenceline on Facebook, on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The address is 208 Clark Rd. in Graham.