Pima County, Arizona

Overview

The Pima County data center project is a planned multi-building data center campus located within the South Houghton Industrial Campus in Pima County. From the beginning, planning has focused on water use, electricity costs, and ensuring the community benefits directly.

The campus uses air-cooling technology that minimizes water demand and requires no expansion of local water infrastructure. Beale will also fund the electrical infrastructure needed to serve the site, so residents will not be responsible for project-related costs.

The project represents approximately $3.6 billion in private investment, is expected to generate $152 million in tax revenue over ten years and will create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent local positions.

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Project Snapshot

Location

Pima County, Arizona — Southern Arizona region
South Houghton Industrial Campus

Economic Significance

Located within the largest private investment area in Pima County

Utility Providers

Electric service provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP)

Campus Design

Multiple data centers, office buildings, and ancillary facilities constructed in phases

Community Benefits

Tax
Revenue

Project Bobcat will deliver significant long-term economic benefit.
The project represents approximately $3.6 billion in capital investment and is projected to generate $152 million in tax revenue over its first ten years, including $58.8 million to Pima County, $93.5 million to the State of Arizona, and additional revenue that directly supports local schools.

Infrastructure
Improvements

The project includes construction of a new electrical substation, improving regional grid reliability and resiliency. Roadway and traffic improvements will be implemented to manage both construction activity and ongoing operations, and project funding will cover roadway wear and other infrastructure impacts associated with construction.

New
Jobs

The project is expected to create approximately 180 permanent full-time positions by 2029, including engineers, technicians, operations staff, and security personnel, with an average annual salary of $64,000.
The PSA with Pima County requires Beale to create 75 jobs with an annual salary of 75,000 or more.
In addition, the multi-year construction period from 2026 through 2028 is projected to support more than 3,000 direct construction jobs.

Community
First

Beale has committed to providing $15 million in community funding over the life of the project, distributed in phases as development progresses.
Tax revenue generated by the project will support local infrastructure, schools, and public safety services.

Site Plan

The campus is designed to operate in a way that maintains compatibility with nearby land uses. Site planning focuses on minimizing visual impact and controlling noise and lighting.

Thirty-foot setbacks and vegetative buffers provide space and natural screening between the campus and surrounding areas.
Building heights are limited to 65 feet to maintain a consistent scale with nearby development.
Strict sound controls ensure that operations will not create nuisance beyond the property boundary.
All lighting is designed in accordance with the County Outdoor Lighting Code to minimize off-site light spill and protect nighttime visibility.

Additional Project Detail

Power

There will be no impact to ratepayers as a result of this project.
A new on-site electrical substation will be designed to strengthen regional grid stability and reliability.
Electric service for the campus operates under an agreement approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, which provides regulatory oversight and protections for ratepayers.
Beale will fund the infrastructure required to serve the site, so existing customers are not responsible for project-related costs.
Long-term power pricing structures are designed to support grid planning and help moderate future rate pressure in the region.

Water

The campus is designed to minimize water demand and operate within existing regional water resources.
Air-cooling technology uses a closed-loop system that eliminates water consumption for industrial cooling.
Water use is limited primarily to domestic building needs such as restrooms, employee facilities, and fire protection, like other large commercial buildings.
On average, the facility is estimated to use 15,000 to 20,000 gallons per day, depending on occupancy, which is roughly the same as two to three sit down restaurants.
The project does not require expansion of local water infrastructure.
Water supply is approved by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Operations comply with the County’s Preliminary Integrated Water Management Plan.

Sound

The project is designed to operate below 55 decibels, similar to current sound levels at the site.
Strict operational standards are in place to protect surrounding areas from noise or vibration.
Project operations will comply with county requirements so that the sound and vibration are not detectable beyond one-half mile from the property boundary for more than three minutes in any hour.

Light

The buildings have limited exterior lighting. The campus is designed for security and safe operations, not visual brightness.
The site will not use the bright parking lot lighting or illuminated signage commonly seen at shopping centers or large retail areas.
Downward-facing fixtures and lighting controls prevent light from spilling onto neighboring properties and comply with the County Outdoor Lighting Code.

Environmental Compliance & Protection

Environmental oversight includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ), with required permits covering stormwater management, air quality, and other environmental protections
Regulatory agencies maintain inspection authority throughout construction and operations, with the power to require corrective action or enforce compliance if standards are not met.
Required stormwater management plans are designed to prevent sediment, debris, and construction materials from entering surrounding waterways or drainage systems. These control measures are standard best practices used across all Beale projects.
Backup generators are used only for emergency situations and required testing. Operation is limited to 100 hours per year by federal regulations, subject to strict EPA emissions standards, and designed with sound and operational controls.
The project must meet all applicable building and environmental codes and pass required inspections before facilities can begin operating.

Quality of Life & Regional Environment

The Pima County Data Center generates substantial tax revenue that helps fund public infrastructure, schools, and emergency services, strengthening the region’s long-term financial stability.
The project is designed to leave on-site riparian habitat undisturbed.
Overall traffic is expected to be lower than what would result from many other potential land uses, such as industrial manufacturing.
Beale will fund required electrical infrastructure needed to serve the site, so these costs are not passed on to local residents.

Project Timeline

2025

June 2025

Pima County Board of Supervisors Specific Plan approval

2026

Q1 2026

Construction start

2027

2028

Phase 1 Completion

Pima County, Arizona

Overview

Project Snapshot

Location

Economic Significance

Utility Providers

Campus Design

Community Benefits

Tax Revenue

Infrastructure Improvements

New Jobs

Community First

Site Plan

Additional Project Detail

Power

Water

Sound

Light

Environmental Compliance & Protection

Quality of Life & Regional Environment

Project Timeline

Tax
Revenue

Infrastructure
Improvements

New
Jobs

Community
First