These questions are specific to the Luckett Road North and South Data Centers project. For more general information on data centers in Marana, please visit the Data Centers webpage.
What is the proposed Luckett Road North and South Data Centers project?
The proposed project involves the development of a data center campus on approximately 600 acres in Marana. The site consists of two adjacent parcels, each about 300 acres in size, planned to operate as a single coordinated data center campus.
Where would the data center be located?
The site is located west of Interstate 10, at Luckett and Hardin Roads, just south of the Pinal County line. Nearby land uses include the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, an existing quarry operation, a large solar field, and surrounding farmland. The closest existing residence is approximately one mile away.
Does the project bring any financial benefit to the community?
The project will result in property taxes being paid to other jurisdictions (i.e., school and fire districts) and tax revenues paid to the Town, such as utility taxes and construction sales taxes, which support public services and infrastructure. The Town could see approximately $15 million dollars per year in tax revenues directly to the Town at buildout of the first phase of the project
How will the money be used?
Revenues from the project will be reinvested into the community, which could be used for a variety of public services including parks, streets, capital improvement projects, and public safety.
Who owns the land involved in the project?
The land is owned by two separate entities: one parcel by Herbert Kai S12 LLC, Kai Trst 97 S12, LLC, and Jihong S12 LLC, and the other by the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Is there a conflict of interest involving Town Council?
Yes. Councilmember Kai has an ownership interest in one of the parcels and has formally declared a conflict of interest under Arizona law. As required, Councilmember Kai has not and will not participate in discussions, deliberations, or voting related to this project.
What was the approval process for this project?
The project followed the Town’s standard public review process. Applications were submitted in October 2025 and reviewed by Town staff for completeness and compliance. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public meeting on December 10, 2025 and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the project to the Town Council. The applications were presented before the Town Council at public hearings on January 6, 2026, and were approved.
Why did only a small number of people attend the required neighborhood meeting?
Town Code requires that property owners within 300 feet of the site be notified for the purpose of the neighborhood meeting. This meeting is conducted by the applicant and is not a public meeting conducted by the Town. Because the surrounding parcels are large and sparsely developed, relatively few property owners fall within that radius.
Will the data center use water for cooling?
No. The project proposes an air-cooled system, not a water-cooled system.
Can the data center use Marana’s potable water?
Marana potable water may only be used for typical office functions such as restrooms, sinks, and drinking water. It cannot be used for cooling systems, humidity control, and other similar operations under the Town’s data center ordinance.
Would a data center cause water rates to increase for residents?
No. The limited use of potable water for standard building operations would not result in water rate increases. Planned water rate adjustments are unrelated to this project.
How much electricity will the project require?
Each parcel is served by a different electric utility provider, Tucson Electric Power and Trico Electric Cooperative. The estimated electrical demand ranges between 550 and 750 megawatts for each site. Utility providers must evaluate infrastructure needs and enter into regulated energy supply agreements approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Will electricity costs increase for residents?
The Town does not regulate electricity costs. The Arizona Corporation Commission is the regulatory authority.Utility agreements are structured to prevent the cost of serving the data center from being passed on to other customers.
Are there environmental concerns such as air or soil pollution?
The project must comply with all applicable environmental regulations and submit environmental assessments. Based on the information reviewed, no significant environmental impacts have been identified. Ongoing monitoring would occur throughout construction and operation.
Will the project increase traffic?
Construction is expected to generate temporary traffic impacts. The Town works with developers to manage construction schedules and minimize congestion. Once operational, data centers typically generate very few daily vehicle trips.
Will the data center be noisy?
Noise limits are strictly regulated under the Town’s data center ordinance. Studies show projected noise levels at the property line to be comparable to normal conversation and well below freeway noise levels. These limits are enforceable.
What about backup generators?
Generators are permitted only for emergency backup power. Testing is limited to weekday daytime hours. If diesel generators are used, they must meet the highest EPA emission standards.
Will wildlife corridors be affected?
Environmental assessments are required and reviewed by Town staff. Assessments completed to date have not identified impacts to designated wildlife corridors. Environmental compliance is monitored throughout development.
How does the Town enforce compliance after approval?
The data center ordinance is enforceable through the Town’s zoning code. Violations can result in notices, fines, court action, or ultimately revocation of a business license. Enforcement actions are rare but available if needed.
Can the developer later switch to water cooling?
Any change from air cooling to water cooling would require a formal amendment and would have to go through the same full public review and approval process as the original application.
How many jobs would this project create?
Data centers typically create hundreds of temporary construction jobs; for this project during phase 1, approximately 4,500 jobs, and then a smaller number of permanent, high-skilled operational jobs once the facility is active, approximately 400 jobs.
Who would operate the data center?
The Town does not currently know the identity of the future occupant.