Data centers are back in the news in Utah
Officials in Spanish Fork are considering adjusting local rules to accommodate a new data center proposed by Bolition, with the city council deferring a decision after public comment. In Eagle Mountain, the city council revised a property tax increase after residents raised concerns about tax breaks given to data centers like Meta. Additionally, Governor Cox criticized the approval process for the Stratos project in Boxelder County.
Tribune journalist Abigail Landwehr provided updates on data center developments across Utah. In Spanish Fork, a new data center proposed by Bolition near Spanish Fork Canyon is under consideration by city officials. They are evaluating whether to adjust local rules to accommodate the project. A city council meeting earlier this week included two hours of public comment, but no decision was reached, with the council planning to revisit the matter in September.
Further west, Eagle Mountain, home to data centers for Meta and QTS, faced discussions surrounding property taxes. The city council initially voted for a significant 183% property tax increase to address budget issues. However, following considerable public opposition and residents highlighting a previous long-term tax break granted to Meta, the council repealed its initial decision. They subsequently approved a smaller, 69.81% property tax increase instead.
Additionally, Governor Spencer Cox commented on the Boxelder County data center project, identified as the Stratos project, during a recent press conference. Governor Cox described the project's approval process as "not good" and called for reforms to the state board responsible for its oversight.