TAYLOR, Texas — Despite some residents not wanting a data center to come to Taylor, Texas, the city council unanimously approved annexing about 48 acres of land into its jurisdiction Thursday night.
Residents raised concerns about the $2.5 billion data center in November. Dubbed Project Comal, some feared the center could negatively impact the traffic, health and environment of the area.
Council members approved and rezoned the acres of land, in addition to approving an employment center for Oncor.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, the proposed site will measure 220 acres total and belongs to Dallas-based developer KDC, which “plans to build at least six large industrial buildings on its data center campus.”
The Statesman also reported that the data center, located next to Samsung Electronics’ 1,200-acre chip plant, is anticipated to garner over $140 million in revenue and over $70 million to Taylor ISD over the next decade.
“At the end of the day, this isn’t about data centers,” Rachael Westerman, Taylor Chamber of Commerce membership and operations director, said at the meeting. “It’s about what allows us to build together a stronger economy and more vibrant business community and brighter futures for our families.”