Gov. Lombardo, construction companies break ground on 2 million sq. ft. data center in Storey Co.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo joined representatives from Fleet Data Centers and Tract to break ground on a $4.6 billion, 2 million square foot data center in South Valley, Storey County. The facility, which is located near the Reno-Tahoe Industrial Center and is described as the size of 38 football fields, is anticipated to train advanced AI models. Chris Vonderhaar, President of Fleet Data Centers, highlighted the potential for medical breakthroughs and advancements in autonomous transportation.

Governor Lombardo lauded Storey County leaders for facilitating the project through regulatory processes, emphasizing the economic benefits of 1,500 construction jobs and 100 long-term tech positions, alongside significant tax revenue. He also used the occasion to express his desire for the Reno City Council to lift its existing moratorium on data center developments, distinguishing the rural Storey County location from urban retail or residential areas.

The project, however, is not without its critics. Olivia Tanager, a spokesperson for the Sierra Club, voiced concerns about the data center's substantial water consumption and its potential impact on Pyramid Lake's ecosystem. She also questioned the reliance on on-site powerhouses for temporary energy supply. Governor Lombardo stated that the project would necessitate a closed-loop system for water recycling to minimize evaporation and detrimental usage.

Fleet and Tract reportedly hold access to 12,000 acres in Storey and Lyon counties for potential future data center expansions. Despite the public groundbreaking, the specific "big tech company" that will utilize the data center remains undisclosed. The article also touched on broader public sentiment, referencing a recent Gallup poll showing 71% of respondents oppose data centers in their local areas. The costs to other utility customers and the extent of tax abatements for the data centers remain unclear.