The Wright family of southeast Tennessee is in talks with the city of Cleveland to develop an 850‑acre data center campus, a project officials say could generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue for local schools, teacher raises and first‑responder pay.
President of Wright Industrial Group Lukas Salyer told The Center Square that the planned unit development agreement would set legally binding guidelines on noise, water use and environmental protection while allowing the community to reap sizable fiscal benefits.
Project River, the name of the proposed campus, would be powered by a on‑site plant that blends forest biomass with natural gas to produce up to 1,500 megawatts of electricity, with the Tennessee Valley Authority serving only as backup.
The PUD stipulates that no direct connection to the Hiwassee River will be allowed, that 90 % of process water will be generated on site, and that noise at the property line will be capped at 60 decibels with continuous monitoring. The facility will be concealed from public roadways, and logging trucks are prohibited from using city streets.
In addition to the data center, the Wright family has pledged to fund a new fire and emergency‑medical‑services building near the site, reinforcing the promise of enhanced public safety resources.
According to Salyer, the tax impact would be “unprecedented,” directing a large share of the property tax revenue to the county’s general fund and a significant portion to the school system. He emphasized that the family, as long‑time residents, want a project that serves the community’s best interests.
Community response has been mixed. Hundreds have attended public meetings, and a Facebook group called “Reject Project River” has gathered 569 members expressing concern over environmental and quality‑of‑life issues.
The city of Cleveland expects a final draft of the PUD to be ready by Friday, with any formal action postponed until at least October, allowing time for additional technical review and public input.
Project River joins a broader state‑wide conversation about data centers, including a separate dispute in Nashville involving D.C. Blox and local officials. As Tennessee seeks to balance economic development with stewardship of its natural resources, the Cleveland negotiations highlight the potential for technology projects to align with community and faith‑based values of education, public service and responsible stewardship.