Lacy Lakeview, Texas, considers data center to fund infrastructure repairs
Lacy Lakeview, a Waco suburb, is considering a $10 billion data center project with Infrakey to significantly boost its tax revenue for critical infrastructure repairs. However, the project faces backlash from residents and neighbors, leading to the election of a data center opponent to the City Council.
The city of Lacy Lakeview, a suburb of Waco, Texas, is exploring a $10 billion data center project in partnership with Infrakey to address its deteriorating infrastructure. Mayor Chuck Wilson sees the development as essential for increasing city tax revenues from $6.5 million to an estimated $50 million annually, which would fund much-needed repairs for aging streets, pipes, and water systems.
Public Works Director Jim Wallingsford emphasized the dire state of the city's infrastructure, much of which is over 50 years old and requires extensive repairs, including all 30 miles of city streets. He noted that without new development, existing taxpayers and utility ratepayers would bear the burden of these improvements through rate increases.
Despite the potential financial benefits, the proposed data center project, planned north of town near Ross, has sparked considerable opposition from neighboring communities and some Lacy Lakeview residents. This backlash was evident in the recent election of data center opponent Amy Gage to the City Council, indicating ongoing community concerns about the development.