Proposed AI data center could bring 670 jobs to Cedar City area
A proposed AI data center, named the Antelope Data Center, located 18 miles west of Cedar City, Utah, is currently under review by the Iron County Planning Commission. The project is anticipated to create 670 jobs, but faces mixed opinions from residents primarily concerning water and energy consumption. Officials believe the center's advanced technology and self-generated electricity will mitigate environmental impacts while providing significant economic benefits.
Discussions are ongoing regarding a proposed AI data center, the Antelope Data Center, situated approximately 18 miles west of Cedar City, Utah. The Iron County Planning Commission is currently evaluating the project to ensure it complies with county standards and conditions, with a recent meeting held to address these concerns.
The project is expected to generate 670 direct jobs. Iron County Commissioner Mike Bleak, who initially expressed skepticism, now supports the data center after meeting with the developers and touring their West Jordan facility. However, public opinion remains divided, with some residents, including Milton McClelland, expressing worries about the data center's potential water and energy consumption. A public hearing in March saw an attendance of around 350 people, highlighting the community's engagement on the issue.
Commissioner Bleak clarified that modern data center technology significantly reduces water usage for cooling, with most water consumption being for culinary purposes, estimated at 13 acre-feet per year, equivalent to about eight homes. Furthermore, the data center plans to generate its own electricity via a natural gas power plant, thereby not drawing power from the existing grid.
The project is also touted for its economic benefits, including hundreds of contract employees drawn from local schools like Southwest Tech and Southern Utah University, offering high-paying jobs that could encourage graduates to stay local. Additionally, the data center is projected to bring substantial property tax revenue to Iron County, potentially leading to a 55% reduction in property tax rates for residents. The approval process is multifaceted, involving various county departments and federal regulations, and the county is also considering inquiries from three additional data center developers.