Utah Launches Dashboard on Military Installation Development Authority

Utah state officials have launched a new transparency tool focused on the state’s Military Installation Development Authority. The “Transparent Utah” dashboard, unveiled by the Utah state auditor’s office, compiles nearly two decades of public records and financial data related to MIDA into a centralized, interactive platform.

The online tool allows users to explore MIDA’s legislative history dating back to 2007, along with projected developments through 2026. Officials said the database will continue to expand as more information becomes available.

The launch comes as MIDA faces increased scrutiny over its involvement in the proposed Stratos data center development in Box Elder County. The project is backed by investor Kevin O’Leary and would encompass roughly 40,000 acres of privately owned land divided into three separate sites.

One site is slated for large-scale energy generation and a hyperscale data center, while the remaining areas could eventually include manufacturing facilities, retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, and public infrastructure projects. MIDA estimates the broader project could create more than 2,000 jobs in northern Utah.

In April, MIDA approved the Stratos project, and the Box Elder County Commission later voted unanimously to authorize the creation of the project area. The proposal has triggered opposition from residents and environmental advocates concerned about water usage, energy consumption, and the long-term environmental impact.

Earlier this week, the Iron County Commission voted to temporarily halt approvals for new data centers and large energy projects for six months. O’Leary has argued that modern data centers use closed-loop cooling systems and air-cooled turbines that reduce water consumption.

"The narrative about data centers that were built in Virginia 20 years ago — they were old technology," O’Leary said. "They used a lot of water, they were very noisy, they created a lot of heat. " "This narrative about data centers destroying the environment is an old story," O’Leary said.

"We have to build it more responsibly, and that’s exactly what’s going on now.