DE SOTO, Kan. – May 11, 2026 – Beale Infrastructure has announced it will launch a $250,000 community investment fund for its $3B De Soto Data center campus that will benefit local and regional nonprofits. Beale will work with local partners over the next year to identify additional grant projects.
Beale is solidifying its commitment to the De Soto community through a series of local initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for residents today and into the future. Cornerstone partnerships include:
- The De Soto Kansas Food Pantry
- The USD232 Education Foundation
- City of De Soto initiatives, including:
- Lighting the downtown De Soto water tower near 83rd St. and Wea St.
- Revitalizing local recreation by sponsoring the irrigation system for two new ballfields at Riverfest Park
- De Soto Days
- Additional grant projects identified by local partners
Beale is prioritizing supporting projects that benefit the needs and well-being of its neighbors, and we are proud to support local programs to help ensure the community’s traditions continue to thrive.
“This significant investment in our community, both in terms of economic impact and community support, speaks to Beale’s commitment to being a true community partner,”said Rick Walker, Mayor of De Soto. “Their support for local organizations and initiatives will have a real impact, and we appreciate their investment in De Soto’s future, and we look forward to our community having the opportunity to learn more at the June public event.”
The first phase of the data center project is expected to generate significant economic impacts with more than $150 million in local and county revenue over 25 years. Of that, the De Soto Unified School District 232 will receive more than $75 million. In addition, the project will create local workforce opportunities for thousands of construction workers and at least 50 full-time, on-site jobs once operational, with additional positions added in future phases.
The project reflects Beale’s responsible development model, which emphasizes disciplined site selection aligned with local land use planning, proactive engagement and long-term partnership with local communities, as well as direct investment to strengthen area infrastructure and the local workforce. All major project infrastructure – including power delivery, water systems and site improvements – will be privately funded by Beale, ensuring costs are not passed on to residents and ratepayers. Beale is committed to paying its own way and providing the infrastructure that we all depend on.
“Beale’s investment is a win for DeSoto and Kansas,” said David Campbell, chairman and chief executive officer at Evergy. “Evergy has established rates that ensure new large energy users like Beale pay prices that cover the cost to serve them plus bring benefit to all our customers. Beale’s agreement to long-term energy contracts and to cover the costs for infrastructure that solely serves its facility demonstrates its commitment to the community.”
“Kansas City’s growth in the digital infrastructure sector continues to accelerate, and projects like this reinforce the region’s position as a destination for forward-looking investment,”said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Beale is an excellent company with impeccable credentials in the global technology community. The company’s commitment to De Soto and KC as a whole further ensures this growth translates into real, lasting benefits for residents all across the region.”
“Beale’s significant support for the City of De Soto is certainly worth celebrating,”De Soto Chamber & Economic Development Council President Tim Holverson. “It says a lot about Beale Infrastructure that this historic investment in our digital infrastructure is accompanied by impactful investment in the surrounding community. It is the beginning of a long-term partnership that is truly Community First.”
Beale is also actively engaged in conversations with Johnson County Community College (JCCC)to build out enhanced workforce and educational partnerships. In aligning with JCCC, Beale aims to create a sustainable pipeline for high-tech careers, while fostering a local robust talent pool that will drive De Soto’s growth into the future.
“Our investment in De Soto goes far beyond the physical infrastructure. We are investing in the people, the educational pathways and the community fabric that will drive this region’s growth in the evolving digital economy for decades to come,”said Tony Burkart, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Public Affairs at Beale. “We are committed to being a catalyst for growth, beyond the four corners of our site. We look forward to growing
alongside our neighbors and contributing to the enduring prosperity of De Soto for future generations.”
Beale is planning for a community-focused event in June; more information will be shared on the project page, which can be found at https://bealeinfra.com/de-soto-kansas/.
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About Beale Infrastructure
Beale Infrastructure develops digital infrastructure for the world’s leading technology companies, partnering closely with customers, communities and utilities to enable innovative data center solutions with sustainable long-term impact. For more information about Beale, please visit www.bealeinfra.com.
For media inquiries, contact: media@bealeinfra.com