Debate over data centers in Hood County | NBCDFW
Hood County commissioners are expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed Comanche Circle data center development near Tolar after months of resident opposition and legal disputes. Supporters cite tax revenue and economic development, while critics remain concerned about water use, power demand, noise and effects on rural communities.
Hood County commissioners are scheduled to revisit the proposed Comanche Circle data center development near Tolar following a public hearing that was delayed because the item was not properly posted for public comment. The project has drawn large crowds and sustained opposition from residents concerned about water use, electricity demand, air quality, noise and impacts on the rural community and the Paluxy area.
Sailfish Investors, the developer, argues that the county should follow a legal interpretation previously used in its favor and says the project could generate tax revenue and support future growth for decades. A judge recently rejected a lawsuit brought by developers seeking automatic approval of their projects, while county commissioners voted to move the matter to the properly noticed hearing. The issue is also receiving broader attention in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa discusses data centers and their impact on Texas.