The Mayor of Pryor, home to a Google data center, is making waves as the debate and struggle over data centers in Oklahoma is not abating in any form or fashion.
Writing in the Sunday Oklahoman, Mayor Zach Doyle stated that based on his experience in dealing with the Pryor data center, much of the opposition expressed by other Oklahomans fighting proposed data centers, is wrong.
“My experience has led me to believe that many of the concerns about data centers are overstated, exaggerated or just plain wrong,” he wrote. Mayor Doyle said Pryor’s residents have not experienced problems with the quality or reliability of water supply, nor has the city seen “spikes in utility costs for residents.” He continued the city has not experienced major reliability problems with electricity service because of the data center. And, Doyle professed the city had not seen some of the wide-spread pollution scenarios people often described online.
In his Opinion column, Mayor Doyle wrote, “The economic impact has also been substantial. Our local tax base has grown dramatically since Google arrived.”
He said the Pryor Public Schools valuation increased from roughly $88 million years ago to approximately $1 billion today.
Doyle advised other cities and communities that they need to understand something important. “You are in the driver’s seat.
“Data centers or large corporations should not control the narrative. If a company wants to invest in your town, local leaders should negotiate aggressively and thoughtfully on behalf of the people who already live there.”
He said the companies want to locate in the cities for a reason. “It is perfectly reasonable for your community to respond with expectations and conditions.”
Mayor Doyle’s opinion showed he is a supporter of the data center projects, at least the one in his city, adding that citizens and residents of other proposed sites should not underestimate the economic and community benefits from data center investment.
“Google’s presence has transformed Pryor’s economy over the past 15 years. The company has invested billions of dollars in Oklahoma. It has supported schools, nonprofits, STEM education, workforce development programs and community organizations throughout our region.”
His comments even appeared on social media and attracted interest in Emporia, Kansas where there is an ongoing battle against a proposed data center.
“As discussions continue surrounding the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus west of Emporia, residents have raised questions about what a large-scale technology development could mean for the community. For some answers, they may need to look about 200 miles south to Pryor, Oklahoma,” wrote the Emporia Gazette.
The paper said a delegation from Emporia recently visited Pryor and met with Mayor Doyle.
“Doyle said a delegation of Emporia leaders, including a county commissioner, a city commissioner, the city manager and others, recently visited Pryor to learn more. Doyle was able to share their experience and provide some guidance as the Emporia community continues to explore the Flint Hills Digital Campus.”
