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Parker County discusses regional 3‑91 option for data centers; officials say it can delay but not block projects
Summary
The court debated forming or joining a subregional planning commission (3‑91) to address data‑center siting. Outside counsel cautioned a 3‑91 "won’t stop a data center" but can add delay and coordination; commissioners agreed to pursue talks with nearby counties and the city of Weatherford for a local 'dance partner'.
Commissioners reviewed options to pursue a subregional planning commission (Chapter 391/"3‑91") or coordinate within the North Central Texas Council of Governments to address data‑center siting and community concerns. Staff and counsel cautioned that a 3‑91 is largely a coordination and delay tool and is not a legal mechanism to prohibit data centers.
"A subregional planning commission ... will not stop a data center from being built," said county counsel/consultant in the meeting, adding a 3‑91 can create additional hurdles and delay but has limited "teeth" to prevent construction. Commissioners debated whether to adopt a regional approach through the COG or pursue a more localized partnership with a single city (the judge suggested Weatherford as a possible partner). One commissioner urged fast action to create a delay that could allow the state legislature to act.
Participants agreed to pursue discussions with neighboring county judges and city managers to form a coordinated response and to request a meeting with Weatherford's city manager as a potential local partner. Staff cautioned that forming a functioning 3‑91 requires organization and bylaws and could take months; commissioners asked staff to return with coordination outcomes and possible next steps at a future session.
