A Texas town hopes a new data center will pay to fix its cracked streets and leaking pipes
The city of Lacy Lakeview, Texas, is pursuing a partnership with Infrakey to develop a $10 billion data center to fund crucial infrastructure repairs, including cracked streets and leaking pipes. The proposed project aims to significantly increase the city's tax revenue, but it faces opposition from some residents and neighbors, leading to the election of a data center opponent to the City Council.
The city of Lacy Lakeview, Texas, a Waco suburb of 8,000 residents, is grappling with a significant infrastructure crisis, including 30 miles of cracked streets, aging water and sewer pipes, and an outdated water tower. Public Works Director Jim Wallingsford detailed the extensive repair backlog, which includes critical projects like the reconstruction of Walnut Street and upgrades to leaking pump stations and water facilities.
Mayor Chuck Wilson is advocating for a partnership with Infrakey to develop a proposed $10 billion data center north of town near Ross. This development is projected to boost Lacy Lakeview's annual tax revenues from $6.5 million to $50 million, providing the much-needed funds for the city's crumbling infrastructure. However, the project has met with considerable backlash from area residents and neighbors, with data center opponent Amy Gage recently elected to the City Council, indicating significant local opposition. Wallingsford emphasized the necessity of new development to avoid burdening existing taxpayers and utility ratepayers with rate increases for essential improvements.