New data center proposed near Forbes Field
A data center developer is proposing a 30- to 40-acre project at the former Forbes Field in Topeka, with two initial buildings and a potential expansion. The project could use 70 to 80 megawatts of electricity and about 1 million gallons of water, but the developer has not yet identified a tenant or filed an application.
The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority presented plans for a potential data center at the former Forbes Field during a Topeka City Council meeting. The proposal covers roughly 30 to 40 acres and initially calls for two 150,000-square-foot buildings, an on-site substation, access roads and new utility connections, with a possible expansion to four buildings.
MTAA President Curtis Sneden said the developer would pay to extend utilities and that the project is not expected to affect airport operations. Officials estimate the facility would consume 70 to 80 megawatts of electricity and about 1 million gallons of water. The developer is still evaluating energy costs and alternative water sources, has no committed client, and does not expect to submit an application until spring 2027, after a Shawnee County data center moratorium is scheduled to expire. Both Shawnee County and Topeka have passed moratoriums on data center development within their jurisdictions.