Former Budweiser bottle plant site sparks data center rumors in Jacinto City
Jacinto City is addressing rumors about a potential data center development at a former Budweiser plant site. The city council unanimously passed a resolution opposing data centers, and the city manager states no data center companies have approached them. This local action comes as Governor Greg Abbott requested state regulators to create safeguards for communities regarding data center power and water usage.
Rumors about a potential data center development at a former Budweiser bottle plant on Fidelity Street in Jacinto City, Harris County, have been circulating. The 30-acre property, valued at $17.2 million by the Harris County Appraisal District, is back on the market, and a commercial real estate firm, Marcus and Millichap, advertised it as "well positioned for hyperscale and AI-driven development" due to fiber optic access and power generation.
Jacinto City Manager Lon Squires dismissed the rumors, stating that no data centers have contacted the city, nor has the city heard of any expressing interest in the site. Despite this, the city council, led by Squires, unanimously passed a resolution opposing data center development until further information can be gathered. Squires emphasized, "we are not rolling out a welcome wagon for data centers."
The local opposition aligns with broader state-level concerns. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently requested the state's Public Utility Commission to establish safeguards for rural communities regarding data centers, aiming to prevent the cost of power from being passed on to residents. The statewide focus also includes scrutiny over data centers' substantial water and power requirements.