CASPER, WY — At the regular Natrona County Commission meeting on Tuesday, commissioners will consider an introductory presentation from data‑center developer Prometheus Hyperscale. The meeting, held in the second‑floor courtroom of the Natrona County Courthouse at 3 p.m., will be streamed live on the county’s YouTube channel.
Prometheus outlines a multi‑phase campus
Eric Schlidt, director of Prometheus’s Build Wyoming initiative, is slated to address the board at 4:40 p.m. during the afternoon work session. The company’s documents describe a phased data‑center campus that could generate roughly 3,000 temporary construction jobs and more than 150 permanent operations jobs once the facility is fully operational.
Prometheus projects one‑time sales‑tax revenues of $100 million to $150 million and recurring annual property‑tax revenues of $80 million to $115 million. Those figures represent a substantial boost to the county’s budget, supporting essential services and infrastructure.
Energy model designed to protect residents
The proposal includes an on‑site, natural‑gas‑powered energy system that the company says will operate off the public electrical grid, ensuring residential utility rates remain unchanged. A closed‑loop liquid‑cooling system is also highlighted; after an initial fill, the system is expected to use no additional water, with total campus water consumption estimated at the equivalent of 15 homes for office needs.
Location shift after community concerns
Prometheus previously sought to build a 1.5‑gigawatt campus straddling the Natrona‑Converse county line. That plan faced pushback from neighbors worried about noise, heat, emissions and traffic. In July, Development Director Sabrina Kemper informed commissioners that the company is now exploring a site entirely south of Interstate 25 within Natrona County, aiming to address those concerns.
Other agenda items
In addition to the data‑center presentation, commissioners will consider a $9.5 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to construct a new air‑traffic‑control tower at the Casper/Natrona County International Airport. A funding request from Compete Casper for $25 000 annually over four years to support eight state high‑school championship tournaments will also be reviewed.
During the 5:30 p.m. public‑hearing segment, the board will hear a conditional‑use permit and setback variance request for an 80‑foot Union Wireless cell tower on Morado Drive, as well as a bid award for Phase II of the Herbst Gravel Pit Project.
Implications for the community
Local leaders emphasize that the data‑center project aligns with Wyoming’s economic diversification goals while preserving the quality of life for residents. By keeping the energy system off the public grid and minimizing water use, Prometheus aims to mitigate environmental impact and reassure neighbors that the development will not strain existing utilities.
Commissioners will have the opportunity to ask questions, request additional information, and weigh the potential benefits against any lingering community concerns before moving forward with any approvals.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
