Applied Digital Pledges Partnership at First Town Hall on $3.2 Billion Brookwood Data Center

Applied Digital held its first public town hall in Brookwood one week after the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority approved roughly $314.5 million in tax abatements and accepted a $270 million community benefits agreement for the Delta Forge 2 data center campus. Executive Vice President of External Affairs Nick Phillips said the company would improve communication, establish community feedback groups and hire a Brookwood-based community engagement coordinator. Mayor Joe Barger described the project as a long-term partnership for the community.

Phillips said the single-building AI data center would represent about $3.2 billion in investment, including nearly $2.5 billion from Applied Digital and about $800 million from an unnamed tenant. The facility is expected to use up to 210 megawatts, take 12 to 16 months to build and create at least 1,000 construction jobs and more than 100 permanent positions. Applied Digital said its closed-loop cooling system would require about 750,000 gallons of annual water use after initial filling, while power improvements would be paid for by the company.

Residents have pressed the company and local officials for information about water, noise, electricity and environmental impacts, particularly concerning Hurricane Creek. Phillips said the company would protect the creek and is reviewing permitting and stormwater measures, though detailed plans remain under development. Project permits have been submitted to the city and are under review.