Data center proposed near Horseshoe Bend draws criticism

A proposed data center project near Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, is generating significant criticism from local residents, despite proponents highlighting its potential to bring substantial revenue to the struggling city. The planned data center, which would occupy 500 acres about 1.5 to 2 miles east of the Grand Canyon's edge, raises concerns among the community regarding noise, light pollution, and its impact on energy and water resources. Residents expressed skepticism about the developer's claim of utilizing low-water technology and demanded more details on water sourcing, noting that closed-loop cooling systems were described as a pilot program, not proven effective. A city spokesperson estimated that taxes on the data center's power purchases could generate $10 to $15 million annually, roughly equivalent to the city's entire annual budget. These funds, the city suggests, could diversify the local economy and finance long-desired public amenities like a public pool, urban trails, road upgrades, and a bike trail. This comes as the city of Page suffered economic setbacks from the 2019 shutdown of the Navajo Generating Station and related mine and declining tourism at Lake Powell. However, critics underscore that, unlike the former power plant, data centers typically create few long-term jobs. The project is currently awaiting the developer, Huntley, to submit a site plan, a step that would initiate further public hearings and technical reviews by city staff and council. The developer has also indicated that securing sufficient power remains a significant challenge, with ongoing discussions with utilities and transmission operators.