QTS officials offer input on Clinton data center plans

QTS officials, including Bill Micheel and Travis Wright, engaged in an hour-long podcast with Grow Clinton president/CEO Andy Sokolovich to address community questions about their proposed $10 billion, 1,100-acre hyperscale data center in Clinton, Iowa. Wright highlighted Iowa's welcoming environment and QTS's positive experience in Cedar Rapids, emphasizing the importance of utilities, strong communities, and a skilled workforce for data center locations.

QTS aims to build a multi-building campus, requiring a large construction workforce. The company claims minimal impact on water resources, stating modern data centers use about as much water as five homes, primarily for office space, not cooling operations. QTS also committed to bearing all increased electricity costs and not seeking financial incentives or tax breaks, projecting significant property tax revenue.

Meanwhile, the City Council Committee of the Whole held a five-hour meeting to hear comments on a proposed data center ordinance. The Clintonians Against Data Centers (CADC) steering committee participated, advocating for 1,500-foot setbacks, detailed environmental assessments, and greater transparency. CADC members expressed concerns about the long-term impacts on land, water, power, and the need for ordinances to evolve with technology. Mayor Scott Maddasion confirmed future public hearings and three readings of the ordinance.

QTS expressed willingness to work with the community on the ordinance, acknowledging its uniqueness in their company history. Grow Clinton, as an economic development body, continues to facilitate dialogue, aiming to safeguard the community while exploring development opportunities. The City Council will hold further work sessions to refine ordinance points, including setback distances and berm specifications.