De Soto’s approved data center project doubles in size from initial designs
Beale Infrastructure's data center project in De Soto, Kansas, has doubled in size after approval from the Planning Commission, sparking significant resident opposition. The expansion affects a payment in lieu of taxes agreement and raises concerns about water and energy usage. Another developer, Digital Realty, is also eyeing the area, while other data center applications in the county have been withdrawn or denied, and moratoriums rejected.
Construction is underway on Beale Infrastructure's 300-acre data center in De Soto, Kansas, despite widespread dismay among residents over the project's near-doubling in size. Initially announced last August as four buildings totaling 1.14 million square feet, the De Soto Planning Commission approved significant changes in April, expanding the $3 billion project to four buildings encompassing almost 2.9 million square feet. Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Public Affairs for Beale Infrastructure, Tony Burkart, stated that the initial designs were preliminary and not part of the formal application.
De Soto resident Toni Caldwell voiced strong opposition at a May 7 City Council meeting, calling the expansion a "breach of understanding" and citing concerns about the developmental agreement. The project, known as Project Pilot, will proceed in two phases, with the first 300,000 and 863,000 square foot buildings expected by 2028. The increased scope also means a higher payment in lieu of taxes agreement, projecting $163 million for the city of De Soto and $78 million for United School District 232, plus $250 million in sales tax and franchise fees.
Beale Infrastructure hosted an open house on June 18 to address community concerns, particularly regarding water usage. Burkart highlighted the use of a closed-loop, air-cooled system, stating daily water usage would be comparable to a restaurant. However, resident Sara VanDeCreek criticized the event as a "publicity opportunity" rather than a genuine dialogue, stating she received no new information.
The article also notes that another developer, Digital Realty, is planning a 1,400-acre campus nearby, while three other data center applications in western and southern Johnson County by Bullock Capital, Colossus Advisors, and DAMAC Digital were withdrawn or denied. Following these, both Gardner and Edgerton city councils denied proposed moratoriums on data center applications. Residents continue to express concerns about transparency and accountability at De Soto City Council meetings.