AI infrastructure deals are complex. They involve long-term commitments, significant land use, and community impact that extends far beyond the school's campus. Before any school signs any agreement, it should have clear, documented answers to a specific set of questions. LegacyGrid AI developed this framework to help schools enter AI infrastructure conversations with the right questions, not just the right enthusiasm.
"These questions are not obstacles to AI infrastructure development. They are the foundation of a deal structure that protects the school, the community, and the long-term value of the partnership."
Power Questions
What is the projected power demand of this facility at full build-out? Where does that power come from, and what is the impact on local utility infrastructure? Will this project require utility upgrades, and who pays for them? What are the backup power provisions, and how do they protect the campus during grid outages? Is battery storage included, and what is its capacity and purpose?
Water Questions
What is the projected daily water consumption of this facility? What cooling technology is being used, and why? Is waterless or closed-loop cooling feasible for this project? What are the operator's commitments around water use reporting? What is the impact on local water supply and municipal water systems?
Workforce Questions
How many jobs will this project create, and what types of jobs? What percentage of those jobs will be filled by local residents and students? What training programs will the operator fund or support? Are paid internship and apprenticeship commitments enforceable in the agreement? What happens to workforce commitments if the operator sells or transfers the facility?
Compute Access Questions
Will students and faculty receive compute access, and in what form? Are compute access commitments enforceable in the agreement? What is the dollar value of the compute access commitment? How long does the compute access commitment last? What happens to compute access if the operator changes its business model?
Revenue and Community Questions
What is the base lease rate, and how does it compare to market rates? Are there annual escalators, and what are they tied to? Is there any revenue participation in expansion or appreciation? What are the environmental impact commitments around noise, heat, and light? What community benefit commitments are enforceable in the agreement? What are the decommissioning and restoration obligations if the project ends?
"LegacyGrid AI builds the guardrail framework before any partner conversation begins. The questions come first. The deal structure follows."
Related reading: Why HBCUs Should Not Be Passive Landlords · Community Benefit Is Not Optional · The LegacyGrid Model