SHREVEPORT, La. - Residents living near Caddo Lake say they’re worried a proposed data center could permanently change one of the region’s most treasured natural resources.
Neighbors said they only recently learned about the proposed project. And their biggest concerns go far beyond construction noise.
Residents near Caddo Lake say they didn't receive notice of a proposed data center. They discovered potential plans only after surveyors appeared on the property and court filings came to light.
The data center may be built near State Line Road and Blanchard Latex Road, according to a resident.
Caddo Lake sits between Louisiana and Texas. It’s the only natural lake in the Lone Star State and is an internationally protected wetland, home to wildlife and a major tourist attraction.
Residents say they worry a data center could pull millions of gallons of water a day, lowering lake levels and threatening wildlife.
They’re also questioning the infrastructure. There’s no nearby wastewater treatment plant, and neighbors fear increased demand could drive up water and electric bills.
“As far as I know, everybody I’ve talked to is not on board with it. It’s all been done in secret. The reason we know is because we seen them out there surveying and doing borings on the ground, the property, and even some people even trespassing or trying to get to that,” said a Caddo Lake resident who asked not to be identified.
Also frustrated is Caddo Commissioner Chris Kracman, who said in part on Facebook: “I’ve NOT met with ANY developers, corporations, lawyers, etc. No NDAs for me! I have spoken to leadership from the Northwest Louisiana Economic Partnership, who couldn’t provide any facts about this potential project.”
The size of the data center will determine how many gallons of water and electricity will be used. KTBS reached out to local officials and the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP for details, but did not get an immediate response.
Caddo, Bossier land purchases
The Denver-based company that recently acquired land in west Shreveport and north Bossier Parish - both reportedly for data centers - has also purchased 556 acres in north Caddo Parish.
According to property records filed with the Caddo Clerk of Court, SAC III Acquisition Co, LLC, bought two contiguous tracts of land on State Line Road and Blanchard Latex Road. The property is near Mooringsport and Karnack, Texas. The purchase and sale agreement was filed in March.
SAC III Acquisition also purchased 255 acres just one month earlier in Resilient Technology Park. This property is located on north side of Greenwood Road and Bert Kouns Industrial Park.
For the 900 acres purchased in Bossier Parish, there are multiple purchase and sale agreements. One of the properties is located on the west side of Louisiana Highway 3 north of Benton.
None of property records name the company that will own and operate the data centers. According to public officials, no agreements are final yet.