We, the undersigned residents, property owners, taxpayers and concerned citizens of Jim Hogg County, respectfully submit this statement regarding the proposed construction and operation of a large-scale data center along FM 1017, approximately 30 miles south of Hebbronville, TX.

As members of this community, we recognize the importance of economic development. However, we believe that the potential environmental, historical, agricultural, and infrastructure impacts of this proposed development must be thoroughly examined and publicly addressed.

Our concerns include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

1. Historical and Cultural Preservation

Jim Hogg County is rich in history, cultural heritage and longstanding ranching traditions. We are concerned about the potential destruction, disturbance and alteration of historically significant properties, historical cemeteries and other cultural sites.

 

We request that all historical and cultural resources be properly identified and evaluated before construction begins.

2. Water resources

 

Water is an essential resource for our residents, agricultural operations, livestock and wildlife. We are concerned about the amount of water the proposed data center may require for construction, cooling, man camps, and ongoing operations.

We request full disclosure of the project's anticipated water consumption, proposed water sources, and potential effects on local groundwater supplies, wells, and long-term water availability.

 

3. Air and Water Quality

We are concerned about the potential effects of construction activities, equipment operation, backup generators, wastewater disposal and other industrial processes on local air and water quality.

 

We request that all potential environmental impacts be thoroughly evaluated and that appropriate safeguards be identified to protect surrounding properties, residents, livestock and wildlife.

 

4. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Native Plants

Jim Hogg County and the surrounding South Texas region provide habitat for a variety of native wildlife and plant species, including species that are endangered, threatened, or considered vulnerable.

 

Some particular concerns are the endangered ocelot, the state threatened Texas tortoise, the state threatened Texas horned lizard, the endangered northern aplomado falcon, the proposed endangered bushy witlow-wort (a native plant found in Jim Hogg County), and the extirpated locally extinct Jaguarundi.

We request a comprehensive environmental assessment to determine whether these or other protected species are present on or near the proposed development site. This assessment must address the potential effects of land clearing, construction, increased traffic, lighting, noise, and ongoing operations.

 

5. Noise and Light Pollution

The continuous operation of industrial equipment, cooling systems, and nighttime lighting could affect nearby residents, livestock and native wildlife.

 

We request an assessment of anticipated noise levels, nighttime lighting, and the potential long-term effects on surrounding properties and natural habitats.

6. Local Infrastructure and Public Services

 

The proposed development could place additional demands on local roads, utilities, emergency services, law enforcement, fire protection, and other public resources.

We request a detailed evaluation of the infrastructure improvements necessary to support the project, including the anticipated financial responsibilities of the developer and potential costs to Jim Hogg County taxpayers.

 

7. Electrical Infrastructure and Grid Capacity

We are concerned about the potential effects of the proposed data center's electrical demands on the existing power grid.

 

We request full disclosure of the project's anticipated electricity consumption, proposed power sources, necessary infrastructure improvements, and potential effects on electrical reliability and cost for local residents and businesses.

8. Property Values and Taxpayer Impact

 

We request a thorough evaluation of the potential effects of the development on surrounding property values, property tax assessments, and the county's overall tax base.

We also request transparency regarding any proposed tax abatements, financial incentives, public expenditures, or agreements involving county resources.

 

Residents and taxpayers should have access to information concerning the anticipated financial benefits and potential public costs associated with the development.

9. Livestock, Ranching and Agricultural Operations

 

Ranching and agriculture are an important part of Jim Hogg County's history, economy and way of life.

We are concerned that increased traffic, construction, noise, lighting, and changes in land surrounding this proposed data center could negatively affect livestock, wildlife, agricultural operations, and neighboring properties.

 

We request that the potential effects on existing agricultural and ranching operation be evaluated and that affected landowners have an opportunity to provide input.

10. Community Involvement and Transparency

 

We believe that residents, landowners, agricultural operators, and taxpayers who may be affected by this development should have access to accurate and complete information about the project.

We request that relevant project documents, environmental assessments, infrastructure plans, and proposed agreements involving public resources be made available for public review.

 

We also request meaningful opportunities for affected community members to ask questions, express concerns, and participate in the public review process.

Our concerns extend beyond this individual proposal to include any future large scale data center developments that may be proposed within Jim Hogg County.

 

By signing below, we acknowledge our concerns regarding the proposed data center development and request that the appropriate governmental authorities and decisionmakers consider these concerns as part of the review of this project and any future data center developments in Jim Hogg County.