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Residents press commissioners on data‑center water use and Windstream line maintenance
Summary
During public comment, residents asked whether data centers are planned in Cameron County and raised concerns about heavy water usage for cooling; another speaker urged stronger pressure on Windstream to clear rights‑of‑way and repair downed poles and damaged lines.
Two public commenters used the March 19 meeting to press the commissioners on infrastructure and environmental risks.
An unnamed visitor asked whether any data centers are currently planned in Cameron County. Meeting notes indicate staff or commissioners responded that no official projects exist but that certain sites are being marketed by a developer; the visitor said the county’s reliance on spring water raised concerns that large data‑center cooling systems could negatively affect local water supplies and urged continued transparency and public notice if projects develop.
A second unnamed resident called for the county to press utilities, specifically Windstream, to maintain lines and clear rights‑of‑way, citing persistent downed poles and damaged lines that threaten communications reliability and safety. The speaker contrasted Windstream’s performance unfavorably with other providers that have better maintenance practices. The minutes record the concern but do not show a formal response or a directive for staff to engage utilities during the meeting.
Commissioners acknowledged the questions; no developer names, specific proposals, or commitments to immediate action were recorded in the meeting minutes.
