AI data center planned in Weld County as lawmakers weigh incentives
AI data center planned in Weld County as lawmakers weigh incentives
https://www.greeleytribune.com/2026/01/31/house-bill-1030-data-centers-weld-county/
Publish Date: 2026-01-31 07:31:00
Source Domain: www.greeleytribune.com
- Colorado House of Representatives is deliberating House Bill 1030, which aims to provide a 20-year state sales tax exemption for data center operators as part of a new data center development program overseen by the Colorado Data Center Development Authority.
- Dan Diorio of the Data Center Coalition emphasizes that Colorado has ample resources to become a top data center market, citing affordable, clean energy, strong land availability, and a skilled workforce.
- Weld County, Colorado, may soon see the build of an AI-powered data center by Global AI on former Carestream Health’s site. Officials believe this will diversify the county’s economic base and provide stable property-tax-based funding.
- To be eligible for the bill’s incentives, data center operators must commit $250 million for investments within five years and hire full-time employees within two years. They must also adopt water stewardship and energy efficiency standards.
- According to David Eisenbraun, the planned data center will utilize a liquid-cooling system that recycles water, ensuring minimal annual water loss and consumption comparable to a single-family home.
- The proposed bill anticipates creating an estimated 1,500 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs per data center facility. Local estimates assert Global AI could hire between 40 and 100 employees.
- The bill’s sponsors, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Representatives Alex Valdez and Sen. Kyle Mullica, stress its potential to enhance job creation, attract investment, and secure a stable economic future for Colorado residents.
- Global AI has begun preparing the chosen site and aims to have at least part of the facility operational by the end of this year, pending approval. The bill is set to be reviewed by the House Energy and Environment Committee on February 12.
