Open AI hosted the Milam County Data Center Open House on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Milam County Junior Livestock Association (MCJLA), where details about the forthcoming Stargate Data Center were shared. Fostering a more conversational and personal response to specific questions, Open AI reps were stationed throughout the space to speak with citizens one on one. Partners and contractors of Open AI manned tables to answer questions by and provide additional information to the public. The casual, come and go format of the event allowed guests to visit with various companies that will be working with Open AI on this pro-ject, including SB Energy, DPR Construction, M.C. Dean Building Intelligence, and Southland. Kaylen Bushell of Open AI provided a few details about the scope of the project, saying that in phases, two half-million-square-foot buildings will be constructed on the approximate 500-acre property in Burlington. Milam County Commissioner James Denman (Pct. 2) sees the potential for a project of this scale, and the job opportunities and tax dollars it will generate for years to come. "They're using closedloop so they're not wasting water, they're generating a lot of their own power with their own solar farms, and the taxes it's going to be bringing to Milam County, especially the north side of Milam County that hasn't had nothing like this ever? It's going to change Cameron, help the businesses," Denman said. "They are going to have plenty of jobs and are looking at hiring straight out of high school, Cameron and Rosebud students both, and the wages are real good." More than 100 local and area residents were in attendance to ask questions and enjoy a meal. Hecho En Texas Barbeque catered the event on Open AI's dime, serving guests free plates of brisket, sausage, and turkey (with fixings- onions, pickles, BBQ sauce, bread), potato salad, green beans, and sweet or unsweet tea. Keep an eye on future editions for more information about the latest developments with Open AI in Milam County.
