Hood County, Denton face growing pushback over data center development
Residents strongly opposed Sailfish Investors' proposals to build three data center facilities in Hood County, including a site near the Paluxy River and Dinosaur Valley State Park. Denton officials are reviewing a proposed data center moratorium, with public hearings and a possible vote on enactment scheduled for December 1.
Hood County commissioners considered permits for Sailfish Investors to develop three data center facilities, including two along FM 51 and another on roughly 2,000 acres near the Paluxy River and Dinosaur Valley State Park. Speakers voiced strong concerns about the projects and the county's protection of residents and surrounding areas. Sailfish founder Ryan Hughes said the company had offered a settlement to avoid unnecessary litigation and rejected claims that it was bullying the county.
In Denton, city officials held a work session on a proposed moratorium while reviewing a report on whether a temporary halt was justified and how future projects could affect capacity. The city plans to hold public hearings and a first reading of the ordinance, with the City Council expected to consider enactment on December 1. The measure would require a supermajority vote.