Inside Cottle County’s newest proposed energy and data project
What is
Project Matter?
Project Matter is a new industrial development planned off Highway 70 in Cottle County. The project includes a data center and an independent on-site power facility designed to support it.
Our commitments to Cottle County
%206_resized.jpg)
We’ll be good neighbors.
Project Matter is a long-term investment in Cottle County, expected to bring new jobs, support local businesses, and generate tax revenue that stays right here in our community.
We’ll respect local resources.
The project is designed to operate using its own resources wherever possible, including on-site power and very low water use. The goal is to support reliable operations while limiting pressure on local resources.
We’ll plan growth with care.
The project will be phased carefully, with construction and future development managed to help reduce disruption while respecting the land, nearby residents, and the way of life that make this community special.
Did you know?
Project Matter’s ongoing annual water use is expected to be about 5,000 gallons—roughly equivalent to the annual water consumption of one cow in West Texas.
By comparison, a conventional data center of similar size can use more than 768 million gallons of water each year for cooling. That’s a lot more cows.
Questions?
We’ve got answers.
What is being built and what will it be used for?
Project Matter includes a data center and an on-site power facility designed to help the project operate independently from the local grid. The data center will house and run the systems behind everyday digital services, like banking, GPS, email, streaming, cloud storage, and other tools people and businesses rely on every day.
Why Cottle County?
Project Matter is located off Highway 70 in Cottle County. The site was chosen for its size, access to gas and sun, and distance from town centers. With more than 2,000 acres, the property ensures construction and growth will happen within the project boundaries in a steady, responsible way helping keep day-to-day impact low for nearby residents.
Who will use the data center?
The end user is confidential, which is common for projects like this. The facility will support widely used digital services that families, businesses, and communities rely on every day.
When will construction begin?
Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2026 and last approximately 18 months.
How will construction impact the community?
As construction gets underway, you may notice increased truck traffic in the area and some construction noise, particularly during peak activity. We understand how disruptive that can be, and we're planning the work carefully to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Coordination with local authorities on traffic routes and time will occur. Trucks will be washed prior to leaving the site to prevent mud and debris settling on county roads. All trucks will be staged on site, not parked on county roads.
Will this use municipal water?
No. The air-cooled systems will rely on closed-loop design that only requires 1 x annual water usage equivalent to raise one cow. Potable water would be primarily limited to local daily use for personnel. We will use on-site water only, but we do want to work with the community to contribute positively to the local water situation.
Will there be wastewater discharge?
Wastewater plans are still being finalized. Any wastewater handling will be carefully planned and required to meet all applicable local and state regulations before operations begin.
How loud will it be?
Our work will always follow local noise ordinances. Building and infrastructure will be enclosed to minimize noise pollution to acceptable levels at the building boundary.
Visual Impact and dark skies?
The facility is a single-level structure located several miles from town centers, designed to minimize impact on views and lighting. Motion sensors, infrared cameras, downward lighting are aimed to protect the nighttime sky.
What environmental studies or reviews have been completed?
We’re taking the time to understand the land before construction begins. Initial due diligence has been completed, and a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is currently underway. Any additional studies required by local or state regulations will be completed before construction begins.
How will the project benefit the community?
Project Matter will bring 600–800 construction jobs, 140 full-time jobs, support local businesses, and generate millions of dollars in annual tax revenue. That revenue stays in Cottle County, helping fund local schools, roads, and emergency services.
Will local businesses and workers be able to participate?
We will be setting up a local business portal to match area businesses with needs of the project. As much as we can, we want to hire locally and will invest in the training and education for local talent to gain the skills needed to work in these new full time positions. Construction workers are also able to apply for these jobs.
What safety and security measures will be in place?
Security is part of operating responsibly. Access will be restricted, with no public entry, and the site will be fully enclosed with permanent perimeter fencing. Trained security personnel will be on site 24 hours a day during both construction and operations, and all workers will undergo standard background checks.
Will the public be able to access the site?
We're committed to sharing clear, straightforward information as work moves forward. Once we are operational, we look forward to hosting a community open house so you can see the facility firsthand.
Have a question we didn’t answer? We're here to help. Reach out to info@projectmatter.net to learn more or share concerns.
