Developer nixes plan for Coweta data center

Beale Infrastructure, a San Francisco-based developer, announced its decision to withdraw from a proposed data center project in Coweta, Oklahoma. The project, locally known as Project Atlas, had been the subject of intense debate for several months and represented a significant potential economic development opportunity for Wagoner County. Beale stated its commitment to community-first development but did not provide further explanation for its withdrawal, though it noted plans to continue investments in other Oklahoma locations. The project, which Beale Infrastructure began exploring in 2024, involved a 200-acre site annexed into the city. It was projected to bring substantial financial benefits, including $195 million over 25 years to the Coweta community, with specific allocations for water infrastructure upgrades and local parks. Additionally, it was estimated to generate $50 million in franchise fees for the city and $17 million for Coweta Public Schools over the same period. However, the development faced immediate and strong community opposition. Residents voiced concerns over the data center's significant demand for water and electricity, as well as potential increases in utility bills. Following an emotional public hearing, the Coweta Planning Commission denied a crucial rezoning request for the project, and a final development agreement with the city never publicly materialized, ultimately leading to Beale Infrastructure's withdrawal. The article also contextualizes this development by mentioning other data center proposals in the Tulsa metro area, including the City of Tulsa's recent approval of a brief moratorium on data center construction and ongoing legal and opposition issues for a project in Sand Springs. Beale was also involved in proposed projects near Claremore and Owasso.