West Memphis, AR pursing $3 billion data center

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The City of West Memphis, Arkansas is taking the first steps to bring a $3 billion data center to the community.

The West Memphis City Council recently passed a non-binding resolution of intent to inform the unnamed company that it was interested in the project.

“The resolution doesn’t lock in any bonds/PILOT; it just sends a positive recommendation if/when it moves forward,” said West Memphis Communications Director Nick Coulter. “While we are under a strict NDA and can’t share specific details, I can confirm that this is a very preliminary and standard step for the consultants.”

During the July 11 city council meeting, Ward Wimbish, general manager at West Memphis Utilities, said the facility would be built behind the Coca-Cola Company. It would cost $3 billion to develop and create about 300 jobs.

“Pay range, don’t know that off-hand, but it is a very technical operation, and it’s safe to say it’s going to be well above average,” said Ward.

Ward said the operation would require a large amount of electricity and water, but Entergy would supply most of the power.

“They have also asked us to provide 10 megawatts of power, which would make them a solid electrical customer,” Ward said. “The majority of water we are providing is reprocessed water from the sewage treatment plant.”

The city said the mystery company is still evaluating multiple sites. Ward told council members that right now they believe West Memphis is their number one pick.

The project in West Memphis comes shortly after xAI announced its huge new supercomputer facility across the river in Memphis. That center is expected to be operational soon.

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