Claremore addresses community concerns over data center project
The City of Claremore addressed community concerns about a data center project, clarifying that the developer will handle infrastructure upgrades and that the project will not impact local utility rates. Local agencies, including Claremore Public Schools, are set to receive significant pilot payments from the development.
The City of Claremore has released information addressing community concerns surrounding an upcoming data center project, following viewer inquiries about its potential impact on utilities and the local economy. City Manager John Feery clarified that the developer is responsible for all necessary infrastructure and transmission upgrades required for the facility. He assured residents that the city already possesses sufficient energy infrastructure, meaning the data center will not need to generate its own power or affect existing electricity rates for consumers. Feery also noted that the data center would be used for cloud storage and not cryptocurrency, and both the developer and the end user are owned and publicly traded companies.
Regarding water usage, Feery stated that Claremore does not face a water issue and the data center's water consumption would be nominal. He reiterated that the project would not cost the city any money for electric infrastructure or affect water rates. Feery emphasized that the city's role is to ensure all concerns are properly addressed.
Furthermore, Claremore Public Schools Superintendent Derek Bell confirmed that the district has already received its first pilot payment of $1 million out of an anticipated $3.5 million. Kendra Atkins, an official with Ogalaw Tulla La, also mentioned that when permits begin for the project, additional pilot payments would benefit the district. These payments are intended to support local agencies and offset the lack of property taxes on the project.