BOS discusses upcoming data center town hall, Seeley sidewalks & Gateway Water Treatment Plant

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 17, where they discussed an upcoming town hall concerning a proposed 330 MW data center. Chair Peggy Price announced that the town hall would take place on Thursday, March 26, at 6 p.m. in the board chambers at 940 W. Main St. Price clarified that the purpose of the town hall is solely to receive information and public input on the "Imperial Data Center project," and the board will not be taking any action or making any decisions. She emphasized that supervisors must remain impartial due to the project being an active application that may require future consideration and votes. Therefore, supervisors are restricted from expressing support or opposition, weighing in on the merits, or signaling how they might vote. During the special meeting, the project applicant will provide a presentation, followed by a public comment period. The applicant will address specific project questions, while county staff will respond to inquiries regarding Imperial County processes related to the data center application. The county had previously hosted a workshop on AI data centers in January, which was described as an informational discussion unrelated to specific projects. Separately, Public Works Director David Dale provided an overview of other county projects, including the completion of the $13 million Niland Wastewater Treatment Plant project and the $3 million Gateway Water Treatment Plant improvement project. The department is also beginning the design phase for the Seely Sidewalk Improvement Project and considering alternative designs for the Drew Road Bridge.