MTAA: Data center talks near Topeka Regional Airport are preliminary
The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) is in preliminary discussions regarding inquiries for data center development near Topeka Regional Airport. These potential projects are described as modest, using less water than an average golf course, and could offer property tax benefits. GO Topeka is awaiting an application before evaluating a specific project, while landowners west of the airport have been invited to meet with a developer.
The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) has confirmed it is engaging in preliminary discussions with various companies interested in developing data centers and other projects near Topeka Regional Airport. Curtis Sneden, MTAA Director of Development, stated that these would be "modest data centers, relatively small ones, closed systems" and noted their water usage would be less than that of an average golf course.
Sneden acknowledged the controversies often associated with data centers but emphasized the potential benefits, particularly the transformation of underutilized real estate into property tax-generating land. He expressed confidence in the board's commitment to making decisions that benefit both the airports and the community. The MTAA views these inquiries as a sign of growing momentum and interest in the Topeka area from diverse industry sectors. In related news, landowners situated west of Forbes Field, between Highway 75 and Burlingame Road, have reportedly been invited to a meeting with a representative of a data center developer. GO Topeka indicated it is awaiting a formal application before it can evaluate any specific project.