Box Elder County tables vote on MIDA's Stratos project, schedules more public meetings

Box Elder County commissioners voted unanimously on April 27 to table an interlocal agreement with the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) for the proposed Stratos Project Area and to schedule an additional public meeting to allow more time for study and public comment. Commissioner Lee Perry made the motion to table Interlocal Agreement #26‑15 and Resolution #26‑11; Commissioner Boyd Bingham seconded it. The roll call vote was recorded as Chairman Tyler Vincent Yea, Commissioner Boyd Bingham Yea, and Commissioner Lee Perry Yea.

Hilary Venable, MIDA project director, described the project as a large data‑center and energy campus that would occupy roughly 40,000 acres in unincorporated Box Elder County and could support up to "7.5 to 8 gigawatts of power" at full build‑out. Commissioners and residents pressed MIDA representatives on water use, on‑site power generation, environmental protections, and the speed of the project timeline. After extended discussion and public input, the commission concluded it required more time and broader public engagement before consenting to the interlocal agreement.

The commission set a special meeting for Monday, May 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the county fairgrounds to allow a larger public turnout. The meeting record shows the item was moved by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Bingham. No final consent or approvals were given at the April 27 meeting; the interlocal agreement and resolution were tabled pending the May 4 session and additional information from MIDA and the project team.