More Information Released on $1B Data Center Project
County officials on Monday, April 27, released new details about a potential data center project known as “Project Raptor,” as public concern grows over the scale and secrecy of the development.
Project Raptor Officials said the project could generate new tax revenue and spur additional economic development but emphasized that plans remain preliminary and are subject to further review.
The project, which state officials say has drawn interest from Google, would be built on a 2,800 acre property along Three Way Road and represents a potential $1 billion capital investment in Archer County.
According to an FAQ document provided to the Archer County Commissioners Court, the facility would be a data center. The document also defines a hyperscale date center is a large-scale operation, typically over 10,000 square feet, that supports internet services such as cloud computing, streaming and online communication. Hyperscale data centers often attract additional technology companies to the area.
Officials said the site was selected for its available land, infrastructure capacity and workforce availability.
Google estimates the facility would employ about 50 full-time workers, with fewer than 1,000 construction workers at peak activity.
“This project has the potential to drive strong community impact through the creation of well-paying, quality jobs, workforce training opportunities, generation of significant new tax revenue to support local services and spurring new and complementary business growth and activity in the region,” the document reads.
The project would require upgrades to local water infrastructure in coordination with Wichita Valley Water Supply, including about 9.5 combined miles of pipeline improvements including stretches on SH 258, Turkey Ranch Road, Wells Road, FM 1954, Little Lease Road, Three Way Road and Carter Road. Those costs, estimated between $3.5 million and $4.5 million, would be paid by Google. Final testing analysis may result in additional improvements needed.
Road improvements under consideration include paving and drainage work along Three Way Road from FM 2224 to FM 1954.
“Potential improvements pending TxDOT input include full depth reconstruction of FM 2224 from Three Way Road to US 79 to manage construction traffic, adding deceleration lanes at the US 79 and FM 2224 intersection, and Intersection improvements at FM 1954 and US 79,” the document reads. “The TxDOT improvements include earthwork, subgrade, asphalt paving, drainage pipes, culverts, safety end treatments, and headwalls, guardrail, driveways, signals and traffic control. These lanes would allow safe entry and exit to the site, including dedicated right and left turn lanes.”
Noise levels are expected to be comparable to an office building, with a target of 65 decibels at property lines. The legal maximum noise level is 85 decibels. Buildings would be set back at least 500 feet from property boundaries, placing the nearest homes more than 1,200 feet away.
The data center would use up to a maximum of 32,000 gallons of water per day, including domestic uses. Cooling systems would rely on air rather than water. Wastewater would be treated onsite and initially discharged into an evaporation pond until state permits are approved for direct stream discharge.
Power demand could reach 1,000 megawatts, with partial service expected by 2028 and full capacity by 2031, subject to approval by the state’s electric grid operator, ERCOT. The facilities power would come from a direct connection to the Bowman switch station.
