Records reveal behind-the-scenes talks to bring data centers to Lake Hico site
Records reveal that Jackson city officials have been covertly working for months on a strategy to attract data centers, specifically targeting the Lake Hico site to establish a tech hub. This behind-the-scenes effort unfolded even as the Jackson City Council recently approved a temporary moratorium banning data center development. The city administration's goal is to reverse a structural decline in its tax base and boost revenue for public services and schools.
Records obtained through an open records request show that officials within Jackson Mayor John Horhn's administration have been strategically planning for months to attract data centers to the city, with a particular focus on the 654-acre Lake Hico site, home to the former Rex Brown Steam Electric Station and an existing Entergy substation. These efforts aimed to establish Jackson as an anchor of Mississippi's tech corridor.
The documents reveal meetings with attorneys, lobbyists, and tech experts to map out a strategy to attract such developments. This pursuit of data center investment is viewed by some city leaders, including Ward One Councilman Ashby Foote, as a crucial opportunity to generate significant annual revenue—estimated between $9 million and $20 million—for the city's general fund and Jackson Public Schools, potentially addressing a $23 million budget deficit.
However, these revelations come just two days after the Jackson City Council approved a temporary moratorium banning data center development, a move that Ward Two Councilwoman Tina Clay believes was made to create a narrative that the city desperately needed funds. The records also show that Mayor Horhn met with Entergy Mississippi CEO Haley Fisackerly and former Mayor Kane Ditto to discuss data centers, and the city engaged Thomas Consulting Group (TCG) for guidance on economic incentives and legal frameworks for attracting large electricity loads.
While Councilman Foote defends the administration's actions as due diligence in recruiting businesses, the timing and secrecy of these talks have raised questions amidst the council's decision to pause data center development.