Cheyenne economic developer briefs Albany County commissioners on data‑center growth, local impacts
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Summary
An information‑only presentation described how data centers use limited water in Cheyenne, pay large‑load tariff infrastructure costs, and have driven roughly $7 billion in local capital investment; the presentation urged counties to consider local land‑use tools and development agreements for large projects.
An information presentation to the Albany County Board of Commissioners highlighted the evolution and local impact of data centers and offered planning considerations for counties contemplating similar projects.
Betsy, the presenter, described long‑term growth in Wyoming's data‑center sector and sought to correct misconceptions about water and energy impacts. She said Cheyenne's 12 operating data centers account for about 1.2% of the city's annual water use, and noted that some large users pay above‑market rates through out‑of‑city service agreements. "The data centers are not driving the renewable energy economy," Betsy said, adding that their chief requirement is "24/7 reliable, redundant power."
She discussed the large‑load tariff Cheyenne negotiated, which requires data centers to pay upfront costs for power‑system upgrades, new transmission and substations and to contribute to deferred infrastructure improvements. Betsy said that approach has shifted many infrastructure costs to the private developers and can reduce burdens on existing ratepayers. She also cited economic development figures: since the first hyperscaler projects, Cheyenne and Laramie County have attracted about $7 billion in capital investment, she said.
Betsy recommended that counties consider land‑use and PUD tools, development agreements and conditions, and local negotiation to secure public benefits such as roads, sewer, fiber and workforce investments. She and county staff also noted that industrial siting and DEQ processes remain relevant where projects trigger state siting review.
The presentation was informational only; no board action was taken.
