The Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission tonight voted 6-2 to approve a land-use amendment for 500 acres south of Maricopa, paving the way for a proposed data center campus along Porter Road.

Tempe-based W Holdings, the applicant, described the planned Energy Generation and Technology Campus as an “important investment” in Pinal County’s economic growth. The project narrative says the facility would “store, process, manage and distribute vast quantities of data while ensuring secure and reliable access.”

The site lies between White-and-Parker and Smith Roads, straddling Porter Road about 4 miles south of Maricopa’s city limits, bordering the Ak-Chin Indian Community.

Neighbors, Ak-Chin officials raise cultural and environmental concerns

Several residents spoke against the project, citing potential noise pollution, water use and the loss of the area’s rural character.

Ak-Chin Vice Chairman Delia Carlyle also opposed the proposed location.

“While our community does not oppose the proposed development, we are adamantly opposed to the proposed site for this development which abuts our southern boundary,” Carlyle said. “This location is known to have high concentrations of cultural artifacts.”

Those concerns echoed a recommendation from the county’s Citizens Advisory Committee, which voted 9-5 to advise denial. Members warned the project could increase traffic and strain local water resources.

Still, the proposal drew support from the City of Maricopa, Electrical District No. 3 and the Arizona City Fire District.

“I am a little bit conflicted on this case,” said Vice Chairman Robert Klob. “I live in the area and recognize the challenges that are facing the people … Professionally, I see the need, but I also recognize the challenge within our community. Sometimes, looking forward to the future is a tough pill to swallow.”

Commissioners Karen Mooney and Thomas Scott cast the dissenting votes.

The project now moves to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors for consideration Nov. 19.

Part of broader data center boom across Pinal County

This was the third data center proposal reviewed by the commission Wednesday. County Planner Sangeeta Deokar said the surge in applications reflects rapid growth in population and energy demand.

Earlier, commissioners approved the La Osa Project, a 3,300-acre gas-fired power plant and data center 4 miles from Picacho Peak State Park, despite environmental and water-use concerns, in a 7-3 vote. The site sits along the Santa Cruz River and Greene Wash, atop the remains of the old Sasco ghost town. 

The commissioners also unanimously approved Project Midway, a 215-acre data center campus about 20 miles southeast of Maricopa.