Texans from Waco to Harlingen are raising concerns about the energy and water data centers use. Local governments have a few tools to fight them – if they want to.
Growth
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Waco seeks pollution measure to clear way for a park at old Hillcrest hospital
The city of Waco is pursuing a state groundwater designation that could clear hurdles for a long-sought city park at the former Hillcrest hospital site.
Interactive: Your guide to the March 3 primaries in Texas and McLennan County
Read this before the March 3, 2026 Texas primaries for everything you need to know about voting.
Here are all the 2026 primary races connected to McLennan County (and 4 to watch)
Catch up on races relevant to McLennan County voters in the March 3 primary, including a master list of candidates.
Lacy Lakeview, Infrakey pitch their data center project at global tech summit in Hawaii
City and company officials presented their partnership plans at a conference that draws global power brokers in the tech industry.
Lacy Lakeview offers special district as olive branch to rural neighbors of data center site
Lacy Lakeview leaders are offering a seat at the table to Ross and other communities near the Infrakey data center site through a special district.
Seasoned staffer Ryan Holt chosen as Waco city manager
Holt said he hopes his appointment represents continuity and stability for Waco and city employees, and he praised the work of Bradley Ford, his current boss.
Study: Waco area could support swim center costing up to $75M
The multiple-pool facility could draw large swim meets, inspire new swim programs and provide swim lessons and exercise for the community, advocates say.
Swim fans say Waco needs a regional aquatics center. A $40,000 study could be the springboard.
The Greater Waco Sports Commission and coaches with Midway ISD and Sigma swim teams argue that a new facility would encourage swimming and boost the economy.
Town hall questions on Lake Whitney data center echo McLennan County debate
The project is a fraction of the size of the $10 billion data center that Infrakey is proposing for the Ross area in partnership with the city of Lacy Lakeview. But its impact is expected to be huge in rural Bosque County, which has a population of about 19,000.

