Power plant, data center agreement approved
The Taylor City Council unanimously approved a development agreement for the 664-acre Taylor Technology Campus, a proposed power plant and data center being developed by Big Watt Digital and PowerHouse Data Centers. The decision followed extensive public opposition over health, emissions, noise, water use and the pace of the approval, while supporters highlighted projected tax revenue and community benefits.
The Taylor City Council unanimously approved a development agreement for the Taylor Technology Campus, formerly known as Project Mustang, despite more than 20 residents speaking against the proposed power plant and data center. The 664-acre site outside Taylor is expected to be annexed into the city and includes requirements covering water, wastewater, noise, setbacks and other development standards.
Big Watt Digital executive vice president John Stokes said the project would benefit the community, while opponents cited potential health effects, hazardous emissions, noise, water concerns and what they described as a rushed approval process. The agreement was approved before a scheduled Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on digital infrastructure guidelines, effectively locking in the project under the negotiated terms.
A consultant hired by the developers projected $1.38 billion in city tax revenue from 2027 through 2046. The developers also committed $28 million in community benefits for the city and Taylor Independent School District, while the project’s location in the Thrall Independent School District could provide funding to that district. Opponents said they may continue their efforts through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality permitting process.