Grant applicants would use reclaimed water to cool data centers

A company applying for a grant must use reclaimed water for water based cooling at its facility. The requirement covers all water based cooling processes at that facility. This applies when the company operates a facility that uses water based cooling and applies for a grant payment. The required share is at least 60 percent from July 1, 2027, to before July 1, 2028; it rises by 10 percentage points each year and reaches 100 percent on July 1, 2031.

The state may pay qualified companies grants tied to new jobs and construction costs after reviewing their applications. The grants are for qualified companies and cover investments and jobs in localities named in state agreements. A company must be approved by the General Assembly and enter agreements with the state and a locality. The company must be expected to invest at least $50 billion and create at least 1,500 qualifying jobs. The locality must commit at least twice the state grant amount, and payment depends on an appropriation. The text describes grant payments for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, through no later than July 1, 2044. Companies must apply after each calendar year and file by April 1.