County staff report multiple data-center leads and coordinate Iron Springs Road plans

County building and planning staff told commissioners they are working with multiple prospective data-center companies and are planning road and utility coordination to accommodate possible projects.

Terry Palmer (Building & Zoning) reported a recently filed conditional use permit application from Pronghorn Enterprises for a site on Antelope Springs Road (Jones property). He said the applicant described a multi-structure project with an on-site power plant and water recycling; Palmer said company representatives described an extensive multi-year buildout and have set up local offices. "Pronghorn Enterprises... they are looking at doing a ... project," Palmer said while noting the application is recent and must still complete planning review.

Commissioners and staff discussed power options (applicants have proposed their own generation, with gas plants mentioned and earlier industry discussion of future nuclear as a longer-term option), and water-use efficiency via recirculation. Staff said details such as exact water use per acre-foot were not provided in the permit application and will be addressed in planning and conditional-use review.

Public works staff (Bruce) said the county is coordinating with UDOT and federal funding partners to prepare a bid package for a three-lane Iron Springs Road to Desert Mound, with construction anticipated as weather and contractors allow and early spring start projected for paving. The road project will be bid with requirements to coordinate with any I-15/highway contractors to ensure dovetailed construction schedules.

Staff emphasized that these data-center projects are at the early stage: applications and planning reviews must be completed and physical permits and permits-to-build will be required before ground is broken.