I’m very concerned about the large data center being considered in Box Elder County, particularly with the very opaque way it has been planned. To date, there has been no public input sought by local officials.
Data centers around the country are demonstrating large drains on local infrastructure like water and electricity. Impact studies have yet to be performed and are vitally important.
As a resident of Box Elder County, I worry about possible increases in my utility bills — both water and electricity — as well as in my property taxes related to the strain placed on our local infrastructure by this data center. This will likely not be offset by new jobs. According to Harper’s Index, the investment needed to create one new job at a data center is $54 million.
In addition, I see the multi-year drought which we are enduring having a huge detrimental effect on the Great Salt Lake and wonder why we would want to further deplete its water sources.
I also worry about possible effects on our beautiful Bear River Bird Refuge.
I urge the county’s elected leaders to slow down and conduct the necessary studies and public hearings before moving this project forward.
Lynn Martinez, Brigham City