Hundreds in Deaf Smith County seek answers on Google data center, renewables project
A Google-operated data center, Project Roman, is planned for Deaf Smith County, Texas, prompting a public meeting where residents raised concerns about water usage and potential housing cost increases. County officials addressed these, stating safeguards are in place for water use and construction workers' housing. Construction is expected to begin this summer and finish by fall 2028.
Residents of Deaf Smith County, Texas, attended a public informational meeting at the Hereford Civic Center to discuss Project Roman, a large Google-operated data center planned for 3,700 acres north of Hereford. The meeting, hosted by Google, Intersect, and construction company Blattner, aimed to address community questions and concerns. Intersect is also developing an adjacent solar and wind farm to power the data center.
A primary concern among residents was the project's potential impact on water resources. Marilyn Bell, a Hereford resident, expressed worries about water depletion and the data center's water consumption. Deaf Smith County Judge DJ Wagner reassured residents that the county has collaborated with hydrologists and implemented safeguards. He stated that the data center would use a closed-loop system and draw from the Santa Rosa Aquifer instead of the Ogallala Aquifer, minimizing strain on water resources.
Another significant concern was the potential for soaring housing costs, with residents referencing a situation in Childress where rent prices doubled. Judge Wagner explained that the county's agreement with the companies includes safeguards, such as providing on-site living arrangements for construction workers, to prevent a similar rent shortage in Hereford. Junie Wagner, executive director of the Deaf Smith Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism about the project, highlighting its potential to bring economic growth, jobs, and infrastructure improvements, including road upgrades. Construction is slated to begin this summer and conclude by fall 2028.