Matagorda County residents voice concerns over proposed data centers
Published 2:00 pm Friday, May 8, 2026
MATAGORDA COUNTY — As debate continues over proposed data center developments in Matagorda County, county officials and residents opposed to the projects are clashing over what authority local government actually has to stop or regulate them.
In a recent press release, Matagorda County officials said Texas law places strict limits on county authority in unincorporated areas, emphasizing that counties cannot legally block lawful private development projects simply because of public opposition.
The statement came as concerns continue to grow among some residents over the potential impact data centers could have on water usage, electrical infrastructure, noise and quality of life.
“Under Texas law, counties are governments of limited authority,” the county stated in the release. “Unlike incorporated cities, counties do not have general zoning authority in unincorporated areas.”
County officials said they cannot deny the lawful sale of private property, prohibit legal businesses from operating on private land or enact zoning-style restrictions without specific authorization from the Texas Legislature.
The county also noted that when developers do not request tax abatements or public funding, local authority becomes even more limited because projects are treated as private land-use matters regulated primarily at the state and federal levels.
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Loading …Still, some residents opposing the projects argue county leaders could be doing more.
Cheryl Wilkins, a Matagorda County resident involved in local opposition efforts, said she believes county officials have failed to publicly support residents concerned about the developments.
“We’ve been begging them to stand with us and all they keep doing is getting in the way,” Wilkins said. “So they can either, if they can’t help, we get it. But there are things they can do.”
Wilkins said she would like to see county officials publicly oppose the proposed developments, particularly because she believes local economic development leaders helped attract the projects to the area.
“The Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation is who solicited these guys in the first place,” she said.
Wilkins also expressed concerns about possible increases in electric costs, water consumption and the possibility of additional projects being planned outside public view.
“Water and electricity are my main concerns,” she said. “Everybody’s electric bills will go up. They can jump up and down and scream and holler all they want, but it’s happened everywhere.”
County officials acknowledged residents’ concerns in the release but reiterated that Texas law does not allow counties to deny lawful development solely based on public opposition or concerns about property values.
The county also pushed back against what it described as misinformation circulating online suggesting officials could simply “stop” or “block” projects.
“Public dialogue is encouraged, but it must be grounded in accurate legal understanding,” the release stated.
Officials said the county has taken some steps to strengthen oversight powers by adopting the International Fire Code and appointing a county fire marshal earlier this year. According to the release, the move gives the county additional authority related to safety and welfare standards tied to development in unincorporated areas.
Jakob Gurley is a multimedia journalist with the Victoria Advocate. He can be reached at jakob.gurley@vicad.com.