By admin 
YUMA (AZFamily) — Growing concern is building in the Yuma area over the possibility that three data center developers may be eyeing desert land for new facilities.
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Data centers can require significant electricity and water to operate, and Yuma relies on the shrinking Colorado River for nearly all of its water supply. Some residents say that reality makes transparency from local leaders especially important as talk of potential projects spreads.
“There are rumors, mixed with official comments, mixed with interest from data center developers — but nothing definite,” said Pricila Ruedas, a Yuma resident who has been tracking the issue and attending meetings.
Ruedas said conversations have been playing out everywhere—from workplaces to social media—but she believes the public still lacks clear information.
“The entire community has been having these conversations on social media… at work sites everywhere that you’re seeing, but regardless, we don’t see any real transparency,” Ruedas said.
She said more than 60 residents attended a recent community listening session where participants filled out a questionnaire about their main concerns regarding data centers. According to those responses, top concerns include water use and potential environmental impacts.
“People are very upset that we, as the community, are having to have these conversations and pushing and asking, and our leadership is not answering,” Ruedas said.
Ruedas said she has heard that three developers have contacted local government leaders about potential projects. She added that she received confirmation about at least one of the inquiries through a county supervisor.
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Potential sites that have been discussed include the Fort Yuma-Quechan Reservation area across the border in California, land near the Marine Corps Air Station, and county and state-owned land.
The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp. said it has received numerous inquiries from the industry, but says no project is official yet.
“We have received numerous inquiries from developers, brokers, and consultants representing the industry,” the organization said in a statement. “To date, we are not aware of any projects that have made a financial commitment to Yuma or submitted an application for permitting.”
Arizona’s Family also reached out to Yuma County leaders about the claims, but has not heard back.
Meanwhile, residents plan to hold another community meeting Tuesday night.
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