Commission adopts resolution to explore MIDA 'Stratus' data‑center proposal after presentation

Paul Morris, executive director and general counsel for the Military Installation Development Authority, outlined the proposed Stratus project and asked the county to consider consent for creating a MIDA project area on roughly 40,000 acres across Locomotive Valley, Hansel Valley and nearby lands. Morris said the project is designed to use self‑contained power from the Ruby pipeline and “will have several thousand construction jobs” and “about 2,000 permanent jobs” once built.

Morris described MIDA’s consent rules and financing structure and said local government and all private landowners must consent for private land to be included. He told the commission the interlocal agreement includes development and municipal services funds; for the first development phase (3 GW) he said the county would receive “a minimum of $30,000,000 annually” and later estimated up to “$108,000,000 annually.” Col. Andrew Owens of the Utah National Guard also addressed the commission, saying investments that strengthen energy resilience and critical systems are important to national security.

Commissioners stressed the need for county attorneys and staff to fully review the interlocal agreement and to ensure robust public engagement. After discussion, the commission tabled the formal consent and interlocal agreement (items 9a and 9b) to allow more review and public input. Commissioners then passed an amended resolution (26‑10) stating the county’s intent to engage with MIDA and study potential benefits and impacts; the motion was moved by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Bingham and adopted by voice vote.

Public comment during the meeting was extensive and sharply focused on the Stratus proposal. Landowners and residents raised questions about road safety for increased traffic, the use and recharge of briny groundwater for cooling, impacts to ranching and agricultural heritage, transparency of earlier project communications, and the adequacy of infrastructure. Supporters among landowners said they had signed consent forms and emphasized potential local economic benefits.