It’s official – Fort Worth, the fifth-largest city in Texas, has become the first U.S. city to mine bitcoin (BTC) as part of a new pilot project. As a part of a larger campaign of crypto-friendly initiatives, the project has been approved by the city council in a vote on Tuesday.
During its meeting on Tuesday, the city council of Fort Worth approved a resolution to install three Antminer S9 Bitcoin (BTC) miners donated by the Texas Blockchain Council in the city hall building. It is the goal of the pilot program to provide recognition for “the exponential growth of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries” as well as promote Fort Worth as a technology leader in the area.
The S9 Bitcoin mining machines have been put into service as of Tuesday in the Information Technology Solutions Department Data Center inside Fort Worth City Hall. The data center is climate-controlled and the machines will be kept on a private network to make sure security is not compromised. As a result of the donation of three machines from Texas Blockchain Council, a non-profit association consisting of companies and individuals that are involved in the Bitcoin, cryptocurrency and blockchain industries, the program was successfully implemented. In a formal ceremony Tuesday, the Fort Worth City Council accepted the donation on behalf of the city.
With blockchain technology and cryptocurrency revolutionizing the financial landscape, we want to transform Fort Worth into a tech-friendly city. Today, with the support and partnership of Texas Blockchain Council, we’re stepping into that world on a small scale while sending a big message Fort Worth is where the future begins. These small but powerful machines mark Fort Worth’s larger commitment to becoming a leading hub for technology and innovation.
Mattie Parker, Mayor of Fort Worth City
The Texas Blockchain Council is thrilled to be part of this first-of-its-kind pilot program as the City of Fort Worth begins mining Bitcoin. By starting small to learn as they go, Fort Worth is positioning itself to be the bitcoin mining capital of Texas. The state as a whole has already established itself as the bitcoin mining capital of the world. We are grateful for the support of several of our member companies, specifically, Luxor Technologies and Rhodium Enterprises, as they provided strategic guidance for this project.
Lee Bratcher, President and Founder – Texas Blockchain Council
The donation is contingent on the machines’ continued use. According to the resolution, if the city permanently discontinues using the machines for mining bitcoins, then and only then will they be returned to the city. It is expected that the cost of the energy needed to operate the three machines will be offset by the bitcoin that will be mined. A six-month evaluation of the program will take place after the start of the program.
As a result of China’s crackdown on crypto mining in 2021, Texas has become a hotspot for some crypto mining firms. In addition to Blockcap and Riot Blockchain locating in the state, some legislation has been put forth to encourage the wider adoption of digital assets. A controversial bill has recently been introduced by New York lawmakers that aims to place a two-year moratorium on a number of cryptocurrency mining operations in the Empire State.
According to the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Fort Worth currently being adopted by City Council, the city has set a goal of constructing a “next-level” approach to economic development, one that encourages innovation and creativity, builds an environment in which talented individuals, dynamic businesses, and maintain a forward-looking organizational system.
