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To win over locals, data centers pump $340M into rural Texas projects (grist.org)

submitted 6 days ago by Powderhorn@beehaw.org to c/technology@beehaw.org

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A new water tower in Turkey: $3 million. Upgrades for a museum in Stamford: $400,000. A first responders appreciation barbecue in Medina County: $10,000.

These are just some of the public investments data center companies have paid for across rural Texas in the past year.

According to a Texas Tribune analysis, data center companies have donated or invested more than $343 million across the Lone Star state for various community needs, including school programs, infrastructure repairs and emergency services. Much of that money has gone to the very communities that have fought against data center development and is seemingly an effort to win over public support through their bottomless bank accounts.

The Texas Tribune reviewed news releases, public meeting agendas, and interviewed local officials to understand how data centers are using their money in Texas. Because not every donation is made public, the total — the first of its kind compiled in Texas — is likely an undercount.

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[–] its_me_xiphos@beehaw.org 4 points 5 days ago

Sacrifice Zones! Gosh, this is what bugged me so much about it all and I couldn't put my finger on it. AI companies are basically creating sacrifice zones. I was doing some mentorship of a grad student from Chile on these, from a critical theory lens. Here's a good article explaining what they are and how bad they are.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/sep/22/illness-animal-deaths-water-shortages-chile-polluted-sacrifice-zones-anglo-american-mining