Proposed Data Center in Box Elder County

A contentious Box Elder County Commission meeting concluded with the approval of two resolutions regarding the proposed MIDA Stratus Project Area, a significant data center development. Despite vocal public opposition marked by interruptions and shouts, the commissioners voted to adopt an interlocal agreement with MIDA and grant consent for MIDA to establish the project area. This decision marks a crucial step for the project to advance to its land use planning phase. The interlocal agreement, presented by attorney Adam Wong from Hendrickson law firm, outlines specific limitations on MIDA's activities within the designated project area. These restrictions include a prohibition on residential development, a mandate for closed-loop cooling systems for data centers, and the implementation of noise limits at project boundaries. Furthermore, the agreement details substantial financial benefits for Box Elder County, projecting approximately $30 million in annual tax revenue during the initial phase and up to $108 million at full buildout, supplemented by upfront payments from the developer. County officials, including County Attorney Steve Hadfield, addressed numerous environmental concerns raised by the public. Representatives from the Utah Department of Air Quality confirmed that MIDA would be required to obtain an air quality permit through a rigorous 150-200 day approval process, including public comment. Similarly, the Utah Division of Drinking Water and Water Quality detailed strict permitting and oversight for water use and discharge, noting that the naturally saline groundwater at the proposed site is unsuitable for human consumption or agriculture. Chance Baxter, General Manager of the Bear River Water Conservancy District, also clarified that his district found no grounds to protest the water right change for the project, as the water is privately owned and has limited alternative uses. Commissioners Bingham, Perry, and the Chairman highlighted their extensive due diligence, including delaying the vote twice to gather public input and review the proposal. They emphasized that their vote was not an approval for the data center's construction, but rather a legally required consent for MIDA to create the project area and initiate its independent land use processes. The commissioners stressed the importance of property rights and the county's need for comprehensive zoning, drawing parallels to previous controversial projects that ultimately benefited the county. The meeting concluded with ongoing public protests following the vote.