Leaders hopeful Arkansas city can land $3B data center

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — First, it was Memphis landing Elon Musk’s ‘xAI’ supercomputer. Now West Memphis could be in the running for a massive $3 billion data center that could mean hundreds of new jobs.

Recently, West Memphis City Council members talked about possible tax incentives for the technical facility that would possibly be built behind the Coca-Cola Company near Rainer Road.

The project by an unnamed company has been cloaked in secrecy for months, but some say it could create as many as 300 new jobs.

“In the last several years, Crittenden County has really been coming to the top of industry and things, people trying to locate,” said Arkansas state Rep. Milton Nicks. “I think the state and the city have worked together to put utilities and things in place to make it really attractive.”

The City of West Memphis is keeping its fingers crossed that it’s in the running, but also keeping a tight lip on talking about the project because of a non-disclosure agreement.

Nicks, whose district includes portions of Crittenden County and Cross County, is speaking out, saying West Memphis would be a good fit.

“I think if we can land that, it would be a plus. I know it will be for the Shelby County, Memphis area, but it would be a huge success and gift for Crittenden County and surrounding counties,” Nicks said.

Nicks said, much like the requirements of the Elon Musk xAI supercomputer project in Memphis, the data center would also require heavy water usage and power needs.

Power would be supplied by Entergy Arkansas because the project’s electrical demands are apparently beyond what West Memphis Utilities can offer.

“So, we can generate energy. There’s no problem. We can supply the need over in this area and I think that’s why it has taken off,” Nicks said.

Last year, the state even created the Arkansas Data Center Act to help regulate the facilities.

The unnamed company is still looking at different sites around the country, but many believe West Memphis is a leading contender.

Nicks remains optimistic. So do some West Memphis residents.

“I think that could bring great income into the city. We need it. We need more jobs, especially for the youth,” said West Memphis resident Florie Crisp.

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