LEDA defends data center deal with Corva in northeast Lubbock
The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) is defending its approval of a data center deal with Corva in northeast Lubbock, despite residents' concerns. LEDA states the project is smaller than hyperscale facilities, with lower power and water usage, and will generate significant tax revenue. The project did not require a zoning change or city incentives.
The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) is defending its recent agreement to bring Corva, a data center company, to northeast Lubbock, Texas. LEDA President John Osborne emphasized that the "Project Infrared" facility is significantly smaller than the hyperscale data centers that have prompted local concerns, stating it will use 6-27 megawatts of power and 1,500 gallons of water daily, well below the city's proposed thresholds for large-scale facilities.
Osborne highlighted LEDA's track record of declining approximately $25 billion worth of projects, many data center-related, due to excessive resource demands. The 50,000-square-foot data center will operate on land already zoned light industrial, negating the need for Planning and Zoning Commission review or city council approval, as no city incentives were provided. Corva is responsible for land acquisition and infrastructure upgrades.
The project's finalization hinges on Corva securing an interconnect with Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) to access the ERCOT grid. Osborne noted that Lubbock City Council members have been briefed on the project, addressing their questions regarding power, water, and community impact. The data center is projected to generate $23 million in tax revenue for the city, $14 million for the county, and $3 million for the hospital district over the next decade.