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.
Will the community benefit financially from this project?
The community would benefit through property taxes 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 the Kai Family Trust LLC and the other by 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 is the approval process for this project?
The project follows 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 will come before the Town Council for public hearings on January 6, 2026.
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. Together, 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?
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.
Is Marana choosing data centers over farming?
No. The Town does not control whether landowners choose to sell or redevelop farmland. Land use changes occur through private property rights and require public review processes similar to past transitions from farmland to residential or commercial uses.
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.
What happens if data centers become obsolete or abandoned?
Data centers serve long-term needs beyond artificial intelligence, including cloud computing and everyday digital services. If a facility were ever no longer needed, it could be repurposed, similar to other large commercial buildings.
Has Town Council already decided how it will vote?
Councilmembers receive extensive information during the review process, which naturally informs their understanding. However, public hearings are a required and meaningful part of the decision-making process, and public input is considered before any final vote.
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.
What is the overall economic impact of a data center?
The economic impact extends beyond direct revenue to the Town. Large data center developments can support regional economic activity through construction spending, long-term operational investment, and by positioning the community as a viable location for technology-adjacent industries.
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.
Will other industries come to Marana because of the data center?
Data centers can make a community more attractive to industries that value reliable power, connectivity, and infrastructure.
Is the Town targeting the data center industry?
No. The Town is not actively targeting or recruiting data centers.
Who would operate the data center?
The Town does not currently know the identity of the future occupant.
What are the next steps?
The rezoning application will go before Town Council on January 6, 2026. Residents are welcome to view online but will need to attend in person if they wish to participate during the public hearing portion.