Crusoe AI Proposes $4.5 Billion Data Center in Callaway County

Denver-based Crusoe AI unveiled plans on July 15, 2026, to construct a $4.5 billion hyperscale data center campus on 200 acres of rural land in northern Callaway County, Missouri. The proposed development, described as the largest private investment in the county's history, would consist of two 800,000-square-foot buildings with a combined power capacity of 500 megawatts.

Company officials and county leadership addressed community concerns regarding water usage, noise, and farmland loss during an informational open house in Kingdom City. To mitigate environmental impact, Crusoe AI intends to use 100% air-cooling technology and a closed-loop system to avoid significant water consumption, while pledging over $9 million for water infrastructure upgrades. The project is expected to create more than 2,000 construction jobs and at least 70 permanent positions with an average salary of approximately $89,700.

The Callaway County Commission is currently negotiating tax terms, proposing zero abatement on real estate taxes and an 80% abatement on personal property. Local officials estimate the project could generate over $100 million in annual revenue, totaling $3 billion over 25 years to support schools and emergency services. Construction is projected to begin between fall 2026 and summer 2028, pending final approvals from the local water district, the electric co-op, and the county commission.