Pacifico Energy and BlackChamber are moving ahead with the next phase of their Cedar Creek data‑center project. On Oct. 7 the companies filed a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation application for “Project Longhorn—Building One,” a one‑story, roughly 500,000‑square‑foot facility located about seven miles southeast of the EdgeConneX campus cluster.
Project scope and timeline
The filing outlines civil site work and the installation of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire‑protection systems. Construction is scheduled to start on Nov. 30 and wrap up by Jan. 31, 2028, at an estimated cost of $366 million.
Power and land use
Pacifico Energy will develop a natural‑gas‑fired power plant to serve the data‑center campus, while BlackChamber focuses on the data‑center facilities themselves. The entire development will sit on a 2,842‑acre parcel in Cedar Creek, providing ample space for future expansion.
Tax incentives and community response
In June, project officials sought a tax break from Bastrop Independent School District but later withdrew the application, along with separate tax‑abatement requests from Bastrop County. Nearby residents have expressed concerns about potential environmental and community impacts, adding a local voice to the discussion.
Regulatory context
Governor Greg Abbott recently directed state agencies to pause regulatory approvals for new data‑center projects while the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and other agencies complete audits. Projects that disturb at least one acre generally require Texas Commission on Environmental Quality storm‑water authorization, and additional permits may be needed for backup generation, on‑site power production and water use.
What’s next?
With the licensing filing now on record, Pacifico Energy and BlackChamber will proceed with site preparation and begin construction as scheduled. The development promises to bring significant investment and high‑tech jobs to the Cedar Creek area, while the companies continue to engage with local stakeholders to address community concerns.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
