TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima County officials are grappling with their plans for Project Blue, a proposed data center, after a recent decision by the Tucson City Council raised significant concerns. In July, county supervisors had approved the sale of nearly 290 acres of land intended for the center, but the council’s refusal to annex the property complicates the deal.
The county had expected to receive approximately $21 million for the land, located near the intersection of I-10 and Houghton Road. However, the sales contract included critical stipulations: the City of Tucson needed to agree to annex the land and provide reclaimed water for cooling the center’s operations. Environmental advocates raised alarms about the project’s demand for water and electricity, prompting the council to vote against both annexation and water supply provisions.
With these conditions unmet, some activists are suggesting that Pima County has grounds to withdraw from the agreement altogether. As discussions around Project Blue evolve, county supervisors are reportedly considering hiring outside legal counsel to help clarify their options regarding the land sale.
In a recent supervisory session, Supervisor Matt Heinz voiced his opposition to allocating taxpayer dollars for external legal advice. He indicated that previous legal counsel had already clarified the implications of the contract, asserting that while Project Blue could waive the annexation requirement, Pima County lacks the authority to cancel the sale.
Details of the executive session were intended to remain confidential, but Heinz inadvertently disclosed the nature of the discussions prior to the meeting. Following the session, supervisors adhered to the rule of confidentiality, maintaining that the content discussed should stay private.
Community concerns about transparency have been pervasive throughout the Project Blue discourse. Both the county and city agreed to non-disclosure arrangements, keeping vital information hidden until just before the public vote. Supervisor Andres Cano, earlier in the session, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the county attorneys regarding Project Blue and emphasized the public’s need for clarity.
“My patience is wearing thin on this matter,” Cano stated. He underscored the importance of transparency, noting that taxpayers deserve assurance that their resources are being protected while addressing potential impacts on local water and energy sources from outside corporations.
The future of Project Blue remains uncertain as discussions continue over legal options and community concerns escalate. With residents advocating for greater transparency and accountability from their elected officials, Pima County must navigate this complex situation carefully to ensure the interests of its community are prioritized.
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