Fort Worth, Texas becomes first US government to mine BTC

Fort Worth, a city in North Central Texas, has officially become the first municipal government in the United States to mine BTC.

Government in Fort Worth will mine BTC

According to an announcement by the municipal government, three BTC mining rigs equipped with Bitmain’s Antiminer will be deployed to operate 24/7 in a closed environment.

The private network will be operated by the Data Center of the Information Technology Solutions Department at the City Hall.

Also according to the statement, the BTC miners, all of the S9 model, were donated by the BTC and blockchain advocacy group, Texas Blockchain Council.

“With blockchain technology and cryptocurrency revolutionizing the financial landscape, we want to make Fort Worth a tech-friendly city,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.

Mining will start with just three machines. That’s because the city wants to use the first few months to monitor performance and energy requirements and become familiar with the process.

Fort Worth estimates that the individual energy required to mine BTC from each of the mining rigs will be equal to that of a household vacuum cleaner, according to the release.

In addition, this nominal energy use is expected to be offset by the profits made from mining.

“Today, with the support and partnership of the Texas Blockchain Council, we are entering this world on a small scale while sending a big message – Fort Worth is where the future begins,” Parker continued.

Meanwhile, Robert Sturns, director of economic development for Fort Worth, said:

“Texas is increasingly being recognized as a global leader in BTC and blockchain. Fort Worth will have a seat at that table. The pioneer spirit is alive and well in Fort Worth. And with this program we will attract dynamic companies that share this vision for the future.”

Lee Bratcher, president and co-founder of the Texas Blockchain Council, praised the city for its decision to mine BTC. In addition, he provided a favorable outlook on Fort Worth’s future:

“By starting small to learn as you go, Fort Worth is positioning itself to be the BTC mining capital of Texas. The state as a whole has already established itself as the BTC mining capital of the world.”