Topeka Authority Signed Letter for Data Center
The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority proposed a new facility at Forbes Field despite a local project moratorium.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Data Centers
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The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority signed a non-binding letter of intent in the third week of August 2026 to develop a data center at Forbes Field. The project would occupy 30 to 40 acres and requires between 70 and 80 megawatts of power to operate.
Why it matters
This facility is part of a broader push to utilize 400 acres of non-aeronautical airport property for industrial development. Development remains stalled until the Shawnee County moratorium on data centers expires in early 2027.
The proposed site spans 30 to 40 acres and includes plans for two to four 150,000-square-foot buildings. The facility is designed to use a closed-loop water system and would be situated 1,000 feet from SE 77th Street.
The players
Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority
This organization oversees the operation and development of aviation facilities in Topeka including Forbes Field.
Shawnee County Commission
The governing body responsible for setting land-use policies and development restrictions within Shawnee County.
Topeka City Council
The legislative body tasked with reviewing development proposals and ordinances for the city of Topeka.
The details
The developer would be responsible for constructing a new substation using energy lines near Topeka Boulevard and 70th Street. To support operations, the project is exploring water sources through a rural water district in Douglas County.
Timeline
August 13, 2026: Shawnee County Commission approved a data center moratorium.
Third week of August 2026: The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority signed the letter of intent.
October 13, 2026: The airport authority president is scheduled to present the proposal to the Topeka City Council.
February 17, 2027: The Shawnee County moratorium on data center applications expires.
The Tech Race
This project fits into a broader national trend of converting airport-adjacent land into massive utility-grade data hubs to support increasing compute demands. It reflects a strategic shift as local authorities prioritize industrial land development to compete for large-scale tech infrastructure.
Residents in the area may see changes to local utility infrastructure as the developer prepares to tap into energy lines near Topeka Boulevard and 70th Street. The project timeline is currently paused until February 2027, preventing any immediate construction activity.
The takeaway
The project serves as a test case for balancing industrial expansion with local land-use restrictions. Residents should monitor the upcoming City Council presentation for details on how this project addresses utility requirements and site proximity.
Further reading
For additional context on the local industry, visit the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Topeka Capital-Journal.
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