Entergy, CAW, local officials answer concerns surrounding Little Rock data centers

Officials and utility representatives in Little Rock, Arkansas, held a press conference today to address growing community concerns and misinformation surrounding two large-scale data center projects in the metro area. The developments include a $1 billion Google data center at the Port of Little Rock and a $6 billion project by AVAIO Digital near Wrightsville, collectively representing the largest investments in the state's history. Key concerns addressed included immense power and water usage, potential noise pollution, and air quality impacts. Ventrell Thompson, Entergy's vice president of customer service, assured residents that data center operators like Google and AVAIO are required to cover 100 percent of the infrastructure costs needed to serve them, preventing residential rate hikes. Similarly, Central Arkansas Water CEO Tad Bohannon stated that the projected maximum demand of 4 million gallons a day for each data center would not strain the existing water supply or increase customer bills, with all system upgrade costs covered by the developers. Regarding environmental impacts, Google has pledged to meet or exceed city noise ordinances, while AVAIO Digital plans for noise levels equivalent to a normal conversation at its property line. Jack Thomas, senior vice president of economic development at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, also clarified that neither project intends to use natural gas turbines, differentiating them from controversial developments elsewhere. Thomas emphasized the developers' commitment to environmental and community consciousness. In addition to addressing concerns, officials highlighted the significant economic benefits, projecting nearly $2 million in annual taxes and fees for the city of Little Rock from the Google project alone, with one of Google's five planned buildings expected to generate $2.8 million annually for the Pulaski County Special School District.