MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas (KXXV) — A data center developer has expressed interest in building a new facility in McLennan County Precinct 2, near Riesel, raising concerns among residents about the project's impact on their community.
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Precinct 2 Commissioner D.L. Wilson confirmed that Cipher Digital has approached him about a proposed data center project in the area. Wilson shared the news on social media, saying he has very limited information about the proposal and that no action item is currently before the Commissioners Court.
"I have recently been approached by Cipher Digital regarding a proposed data center project near Riesel," Wilson wrote on Facebook.
Wilson said the first contact came recently.
"Yesterday is the first time I have had any contact or correspondence with anyone from a data center in the Riesel area," Wilson said.
Wilson pledged transparency throughout the process.
"I will be totally transparent in this process and will be there to fight for PCT 2 and all of McLennan Co.," Wilson said.
In the same social media post, Wilson said he opposes data centers in McLennan County. However, he added that Texas law gives county commissioners little authority to prevent such developments from moving forward.
Wilson's office says there is currently no specific site identified for the project and no permits have been filed. Cipher Digital has expressed interest in hosting a town hall meeting so community members can learn more about the project, ask questions, and share feedback directly with company representatives. Wilson said he will share updates, including details about any public meetings, as more information becomes available.
For Riesel resident Lynda Yezzi, the quiet countryside outside of town is more than just a place to live.
"I wasn't born here, but I was raised here," Yezzi said. "So this is home."
Yezzi said the prospect of a data center nearby has already affected her plans.
"I've paused construction on my land because after doing a lot of research into data centers and the, um, secondary and tertiary impacts that they cause in local areas like this in small rural communities, I have decided that, uh, I don't want to live near one," Yezzi said.
Neighbor Aimee Helfer shares those concerns, suggesting the area's small population makes it a target.
"There's not that large population here, and they're going to take advantage of that, and that's what you're seeing all over is that they put it in these rural communities that can't fight against it," Helfer said.
Both residents worry that a data center could strain power and water resources while changing the community's rural character. Yezzi questioned whether the project would truly benefit the region.
"I just think that this is something that uh is being snuck in. And it is being told, we're being told that it's for the greater good of the state of Texas, but if you look at our power grid, if you look at our water supply, it's not the greater good for the people of Texas, it's the greater good for the people with the pockets, the deep, deep pockets," Yezzi said.
Supporters of data centers say the facilities are essential for powering digital services, supporting artificial intelligence, and driving economic growth across Texas.
Commissioner Wilson was not available for an interview. A response to questions sent to Cipher Digital can be found here.
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