Update: 8/7 2:30 p.m.
In an email to AZPM, Amazon Web Services denied any connection to the failed Project Blue. They provided the following "on-record statement, attributable to an AWS spokesperson:"
"AWS has previously engaged in standard due diligence processes in Arizona, like we do in any geographic location we consider building and operating our infrastructure. We do not have any commitments or agreements in place to develop this project and will continue to assess all potential geographic regions to ensure our data center developments provide the best possible product and value for our customers, while bringing positive benefits to the local communities where we operate."
Amazon Web Services was identified as the intended user in this story by AZ Luminaria, which includes supporting documents.
Original story:
Tucson’s mayor and council Wednesday put a quick end to city cooperation with a planned data center, voting unanimously to drop all involvement with the so-called “Project Blue.”
One by one, all council members voiced their opposition to the billion-dollar project, citing concerns over its need for water and power in a hot, thirsty desert climate. For Council Member Lane Santa Cruz, the project’s secrecy was a sticking point.
“Giant corporations prefer to operate in the shadows, but Tucson is not for sale. We deserve transparency and accountability,” she said.
While the project’s sponsors are not saying who the data center is intended to serve, AZ Luminaria reports it was intended for Amazon Web Services.
The council also voted to draw up new rules for high-volume water customers and draft new zoning regulations to cover them.
Arizona has attracted multiple data centers, due in part to favorable tax breaks granted by the state legislature.
