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The Amarillo City Council is expected to take up a wide range of topics during its regular meeting Tuesday afternoon, including a proposed water supply agreement with Fermi America, a redevelopment project for the historic Herring Hotel, and potential new city policies regarding public art donations.
The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Residents interested in speaking during the public comment period can sign up online, by calling the City Secretary’s Office at 806-378-3014, or in person at least 15 minutes before the meeting begins.
Key Items on the Agenda
Among the major discussion items, councilmembers will hear a presentation and discussion on a proposed project at the Herring Hotel, a longtime downtown landmark currently under redevelopment consideration. The Council will also review a potential new lease agreement for Wonderland Amusement Park, one of Amarillo’s most recognizable family attractions.
Perhaps the most anticipated discussion will involve “The Fermi, Inc. project,” presented by company representatives. Fermi America, in partnership with the Texas Tech University System, plans to build what company officials describe as “the largest advanced energy, private grid and intelligence development in the world.”
The massive project, located east of Amarillo near Pantex, aims to generate up to 11 gigawatts of energy through a combination of natural gas, solar, wind, and nuclear power. The proposed development spans roughly 5,800 acres and includes an AI data center campus that company officials say could make the region a global hub for advanced energy research and computing.
Water Supply Agreement Raises Concerns
A central topic Tuesday will be the proposed water supply agreement between the City of Amarillo and Fermi America. While specific terms have not yet been made public, the agreement would outline how much water the city would provide to support the facility’s massive cooling and energy operations.
The proposal has drawn public scrutiny and environmental concerns, particularly regarding the strain such projects could place on the High Plains’ already-limited groundwater resources.
For comparison, another recent development — APR Energy’s 800-acre data center near Pampa — is expected to use about 1.5 million gallons of water per day while producing 2 gigawatts of energy. Fermi America’s project, at more than five times the size, could require substantially more water, raising questions about long-term sustainability.
Additional Business on the Agenda
Beyond the Fermi project, the Council will also consider:
Creation of the Noble Park Municipal Utility District, which would help manage utilities for new developments in the area.
Formation of the Amarillo City Transit Public Transit Advisory Board, aimed at improving coordination and oversight of local transit operations.
A resolution to establish a “City of Amarillo Public Monument and Artwork Donation Policy,” setting clear guidelines for how public art is reviewed and accepted.
Acceptance of a donation of the “Amarillo Cowboy” sculpture from local philanthropists King and Dianne Hill, adding to the city’s growing public art collection.
Consent items on the agenda include rezoning ordinances, cost-of-living adjustments for city retirees, board nominations for the appraisal district, and various grant approvals and city equipment purchases.
What’s Next
If approved on first reading Tuesday, the Fermi America water supply resolution could return for a final vote later this month. The city’s handling of the agreement — and how it balances economic growth with natural resource protection — is likely to remain a key issue for both residents and local officials in the months ahead.
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