A recent report by KJRH 2 News in Tulsa revealed how schools will benefit from the Claremore data center project and Sequoyah Public Schools will be getting the largest amount of $100 million.
The funds are from the payment in lieu of taxes or PILOT which came from Beale Infrastructure, developer of the project.
Sequoyah Public Schools Superintendent Terry Saul offered an explanatory statement saying the school is grateful for the partnership with Beale and the economic impact it has for the district and community.
“The annual pilot payments will begin once construction is complete. This funding will make a positive, generational impact for our school district for our employees, students, and our community,” he stated.
Saul added that the school district is in the process of strategic planning to determine the most efficient and effective way to make use of the annual pilot payments “to enhance our facilities, infrastructure, and student programs across the school district.”
City leaders say construction is expected to begin this fall and will take five to seven years.
The total in PILOT funds will be $172 million over 25 years and other schools and programs will also receive funds.
The estimated breakdown includes:
- Sequoyah Public Schools — $100 million
- Oologah-Talala Public Schools — $26 million
- Northeast Technology Center — $22 million
- Rogers County — $20 million
- Rogers County Health Board — $3 million
- Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services — $1 million
- Rogers County Fair Board — $470,000
When Beale Infrastructure closed on the real estate deal in August, city leaders in Claremore said the millions of dollars coming into the area would have an impact lasting for decades, according to KOTV News on 6
Beale Infrastructure has also pledged $5 million to a Community Betterment Fund for the city of Claremore, split into two payments — $2.5 million by the end of 2026, and the remaining $2.5 million by the end of 2027. City leaders say that money is intended for quality-of-life projects such as parks and community spaces.
City projects $400 million in long-term revenue
Beyond the PILOT payments, city manager John Feary expects the project to bring in more than $400 million over the next 30 years through electric and sales tax revenue.
“When you look at a development like this that can offer up 15 to $20 million a year in revenue, and your entire sales tax collection from a year ago is $19 million, it’s a game changer,” Feary said.
