Casa Grande Commission Approves Grande Valley Industrial Data Center Despite Opposition
Casa Grande's Planning and Zoning Commission approved the 954-acre Grande Valley Industrial Data Center project by a 6-1 vote. Residents raised concerns about water use, energy demand, noise and costs, while data center experts cited improved water-recycling and energy technologies; the project received a conditional-use permit with stringent conditions.
The Casa Grande Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Grande Valley Industrial Data Center on a 954-acre site along the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, between the planned Ivanhoe Electric and Cactus copper mines. The 6-1 decision drew opposition from community members, including agricultural and water-sector representatives concerned that data centers could increase pressure on local water supplies, utilities and energy infrastructure, as well as create noise and higher costs.
At a forum hosted by the Pinal Partnership after the vote, data center experts argued that newer cooling systems can recycle water and that technology is reducing energy dependence while enabling new forms of power generation. Local officials also view the project as a potential source of tax revenue for infrastructure, municipal services and schools. The commission approved a conditional-use permit with stringent conditions intended to address community concerns, making the decision a potential precedent for future data center proposals in the area.