There are potentially two data centers coming to the Uintah Basin. Senator Ron Winterton shares that they are in various stages but the Duchesne County project is much further along than the Uintah County project. Senator Winterton could not yet share the entity names signed on or that are serious about investing in these potential projects but did provide a few details with Evans Family Media. Last week, investors and local leaders visited sites in the Vernal area. Part of the discussion was whether it is cheaper to bring natural gas to the site or if it is cheaper to build power lines. The data center projects are being encouraged by the Trump administration so there is a sense of urgency, Winterton says, to make things happen sooner than later. One misconception is that water is the biggest issue for data centers but the truth is that the electrical needs are a greater consideration. Senator Winterton said the legislature has worked for a few years on legislation to help data centers self generate their electrical needs. Evans Family Media will share more details on the plans for data centers in the Uintah Basin as they become available.
