Building Bastrop County

Why Data Centers Matter

The infrastructure of the AI revolution is physical. Here's what that means for our community.

What a Data Center Actually Is

Every time you use Google, stream Netflix, ask Siri a question, or a self-driving Tesla navigates a road — that request is processed in a data center. Data centers are the physical buildings where the internet lives.

"The buildings that power the modern world."

Why Bastrop?

Our proximity to the Austin tech ecosystem (Tesla, SpaceX, xAI) means the AI corridor is already here. Combined with ERCOT grid access, strategic Central Texas location, and community leadership that negotiated smart deals, Bastrop was chosen over 535 competing sites globally.

The Community Benefit

Unlike massive factories that require thousands of commuters, a data center employs about 60 permanent specialized roles per phase. This means no housing crisis and no strain on schools, roads, or water systems for residents. Yet, it generates a massive commercial tax base that offsets residential property taxes.

Addressing Concerns Honestly

"They'll drain our water"
Specific usage data, closed-loop cooling, reclaimed water systems. Compare to agricultural and other industrial uses.
"Only 60 permanent jobs"
The value is in the tax base ($100M to schools), not headcount. Plus 400-600 construction jobs per phase, plus vendor multiplier.
"Housing crisis like Austin"
60 employees don't cause mass in-migration. Data from comparable markets shows no housing price spikes.
"Tax abatement is a corporate giveaway"
County + ISD still receive $107M+ during abatement — vs. $25K/year the land earned before. The abatement made the investment possible.
"Power grid can't handle it"
Grid infrastructure upgrades included in the project. On-site renewable energy commitments. ERCOT compliance.

The Global Context

Northern Virginia was first for data centers. Taiwan dominated chip fabrication. Texas — and Bastrop — is where the next chapter is written. The communities that host data centers and chip fabrication today will define the economy of the next 50 years.