714,000-square-foot data center construction under way in Umatilla
Sabey Data Centers is constructing a large 714,540-square-foot data center campus in Umatilla, Oregon, designed to support over 150 megawatts of capacity. Local officials and company executives celebrated the project's economic benefits and highlighted its use of a closed-loop cooling system to address water usage concerns. The first data hall is expected to go online in April 2028.
Sabey Data Centers is constructing a new 714,540-square-foot data center campus on Wanapa Road in Umatilla, Oregon, designed to support over 150 megawatts of capacity. Local officials and community members, including Umatilla City Manager Dave Stockdale and State Rep. Bobby Levy, gathered for an event marking the project, which is seen as a key economic development for northeast Oregon.
Sabey executives, including Vice President Ryan Beebout and President Tim Mirick, emphasized Umatilla's strategic location within the Columbia River Cloud Corridor, citing its access to reliable, cost-stable, and renewable hydroelectric power. John Sabey, executive director, addressed general anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence and its connection to data centers, highlighting their foundational role in the modern economy across various sectors. He also countered criticisms regarding data center water consumption, stating that Sabey Data Centers utilize a closed-loop cooling system, which significantly reduces water usage compared to traditional evaporative cooling or other industries. Assistant General Manager Amber Daniels, who will be relocating to Umatilla, indicated the first of two data halls on the campus is expected to go online in April 2028. The project is anticipated to create hundreds of construction jobs and permanent positions, diversifying the local economy.