Temple Approves 300+ Acre Data Center Project

The City of Temple has given its approval for Rowan Digital Infrastructure's "Project Ranger" data center, a significant development spanning over 300 acres off Interstate 190. The city council officially approved the annexation and rezoning of the land, along with a comprehensive development agreement. Mariah Williams, a neighborhood reporter, highlighted that the project's size is comparable to other Rowan initiatives already underway. Nathaniel Brown, representing Rowan Digital Infrastructure, explained that the industrial nature of the chosen land was a key factor in its selection, emphasizing the company's commitment to avoiding environmental or cultural issues. The finalized development agreement details how the project will address potential impacts such as noise, construction traffic, and utility agreements, consistent with Rowan's existing regional projects. Brown stated that Rowan voluntarily submits sound and traffic studies, adhering to all city regulations. Following these approvals, discussions will now shift to potential tax breaks or other incentives for Rowan. Brown provided a hypothetical timeline, suggesting that with final approvals expected in the coming weeks, ground could break this spring or summer. Construction is typically a 12 to 18-month process, meaning the data center could become operational by late next year. Rowan Digital Infrastructure indicated a willingness for future investments in Temple but is currently focused on its ongoing projects.