Hood County rejects data center settlement offer, permit appeal
Hood County commissioners unanimously rejected a settlement proposal and permit appeal from Sailfish Investors for the proposed Comanche Circle data center project. Residents and environmental advocates opposed the development over water use, noise, infrastructure, watershed impacts and the lack of complete regulatory review.
The Hood County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to reject a settlement offer and permit appeal submitted by developer Ryan Hughes and Sailfish Investors for proposed data center projects, including Project Comanche Circle, near the Somervell County line. Hughes offered concessions such as 500-foot setbacks, specialized lighting and closed-loop cooling, warning that rejection could lead to litigation and a larger development.
Residents, environmental advocates and attorney Adam Freedman of Protect the Paluxy argued that the revised proposal required full site, drainage, water and infrastructure reviews. Speakers cited potential effects on water availability, noise, the Paluxy River watershed and Dinosaur Valley State Park, while also questioning whether power and water supply agreements had been secured. Commissioners denied both the settlement proposal and the permit appeal after a public hearing and executive session with legal counsel.