Data Center Signal is tracking 7 clips about Compass data center developments across 3 states, including VA, MS, TX.
Meridian Community College has launched Mississippi's first data center workforce training program. This 14-week, free program aims to provide local residents with skills for high-paying careers in data centers, improving the quality of life in Meridian and Lauderdale County.
The Red Oak City Council in Texas approved an 830-acre data center development by Compass, despite strong community opposition. Residents voiced concerns over traffic, noise, water runoff, and light pollution. The approval came after the council adopted several changes to the zoning ordinance, including new environmental requirements and decibel limits.
The Red Oak City Council approved a rezoning request for an 830-acre high-tech industrial park, intended for a data center campus, despite hours of resident opposition. This decision makes it the sixth data center campus in Red Oak, prompting residents to pledge to continue their fight against further development, mirroring similar efforts in nearby Somervell and Ellis Counties.
Virginia's data center sales and use tax exemption is projected to cost the state over $1 billion annually, with significant impacts on K-12 public education. State lawmakers are divided on whether to eliminate the exemption, impose environmental standards, or introduce usage-based fees for electricity and water, as a July 1 budget deadline looms. The data center industry's trade group argues the exemption generates substantial jobs and investment, while critics contend it allows multi-billion-dollar companies to avoid fair taxes.
Prince William County supervisors have unanimously voted to withdraw from appeals defending the controversial PW Digital Gateway lawsuit, having already spent $1.72 million in taxpayer funds. This decision follows a Virginia Court of Appeals ruling that halted the project due to improper public notice. Developers Compass and QTS can still appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court, but the county will no longer participate in the legal defense.
A protest was held in Prince William County, Virginia, urging the county to withdraw from legal appeals regarding the PW Digital Gateway project after a Virginia Court of Appeals panel ruled in favor of residents. The ruling reaffirmed a Circuit Court decision that found issues with improper public notice. The county and developers Compass and QTS have 30 days to decide on further appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.
This story covers the data center boom in Mississippi, including a $10 billion Compass data center project and a $20 billion xAI data center project by Elon Musk's company. It highlights the generous incentive structure in Mississippi that offers data centers long-term tax breaks and subsidies, which has led to criticism of the state's economic development deals.