Temple mayor defends stance on data centers - KWKT

Temple, Texas Mayor Timothy Davis has publicly defended the city's stance on data center development, addressing residents' concerns through an open letter amidst rising opposition and the threat of a recall vote. Mayor Davis emphasized that the city's approach balances economic growth with long-term vision, making "bold decisions" for a stronger future. A primary concern among residents is water consumption. Davis clarified that proposed data centers in Temple would utilize advanced, closed-loop cooling systems, projecting an initial 2 million gallon charge for 10-12 years of circulation, with minimal operational demand. Domestic water use for data centers is contractually limited to 4,000 gallons per day, enforceable by the city. Regarding electricity, the Mayor explained that decisions about the electric grid, generation, and transmission are governed by ERCOT, Oncor, and state-level policies, not the City of Temple directly. He argued that having data centers within city limits provides more control over developers compared to projects built outside city jurisdiction. Davis also detailed mitigation plans for noise and transportation impacts, stating that developers are required to submit acoustic engineering plans and traffic studies, fund improvements, and comply with city ordinances and environmental laws from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and EPA. He projected that each "Rowan data center project" would generate approximately $7 million annually for the city during a 10-year tax abatement, increasing to $12 million thereafter, supporting essential services without burdening taxpayers. The Mayor dismissed accusations of personal gain or indifference, urging citizens to stay informed and engaged.