Paxton Launches Investigation into Data Center Land Deal
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into a controversial land deal for a planned data center in Taylor. The investigation focuses on the sale of 87 acres of former public parkland in Williamson County that was initially conveyed for $110 and later sold for $10 million to a data center developer. This action comes amidst increasing unpopularity of data centers among Texas voters.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into a land deal concerning a planned data center in Taylor, Texas. The focus is on 87 acres of land in Williamson County that was originally designated for public parkland.
The intricate land transfer began in 1999 when a family sold the 87 acres to the Texas Parks and Recreation Foundation for a mere $110, specifically for use as parkland. Shortly thereafter, the property was sold to the City of Taylor for $10. The land was then transferred to the Taylor Economic Development Corporation. In April of the previous year, the Taylor Economic Development Corporation sold the same land to an unnamed data center developer for a substantial $10 million.
Attorney General Paxton's investigation into this significant increase in land value and the change in its intended use coincides with recent polling data indicating a growing public disapproval of data center projects among Texas voters.