A Planning Commission discussion was held on April 2 to answer the mounting questions surrounding the proposed Iron County data center.
The data center is planned to be built west of Cedar City, near Iron Springs Road and Antelope Springs Road, and is planned to cover over 640 acres, plus an on-site natural gas power plant.
Officials made it clear that they are not pursuing the project and are not paying for it.
“As Iron County, we are not promoting this to come in,” said Iron County Building and Zoning Administrator Terry Palmer. “If they want to come in, they get a conditional use permit.”
No infrastructure required for this project would be taxpayer-funded; it would be the developer’s responsibility, officials said.
Others are concerned about the data center’s water usage due to its location in the Escalante Valley basin, which is fully allotted.
Officials made it clear that because the project would rely on existing water rights, it would not use any additional water, but it would change how the water is used.
“As far as the water goes, my understanding is the water in that Escalante Basin is already allocated 100%,” Iron County Commissioner Paul Cozzens said, adding, “So if that water is already allocated … they would have to go buy that water from somebody that’s already got it or (is) using it.”
Another planning meeting is scheduled for May 7 and will include a comment period.
“We’re still gathering comments, feedback, questions, conditions and things like that,” Iron County Planner Brett Hamilton said.
Comments, concerns or questions can be emailed to bhamilton@ironcounty.ut.gov
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo: Jeff Richards, St. George News
Editor: Hannah Clove
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