Regional leaders tout growth and transparency—Hermantown data center takes center stage
Hermantown city leaders addressed community concerns about a proposed data center, confirming Google as the company behind the project. The city is restarting its environmental review process to ensure transparency amidst an ongoing lawsuit filed by an opposition group.
At an annual 'state of the city's' update, leaders from Hermantown, Proctor, and Rice Lake primarily focused on the proposed Hermantown data center and its environmental review, addressing community concerns and division over the development.
Hermantown Mayor Wayne Bucher identified Google as the company behind the data center, highlighting its potential investment of nearly $100 million in local public infrastructure, drawing parallels to Google's significant investments in Pine Island, Minnesota. Bucher emphasized the unique growth opportunity for the region.
In response to public concerns regarding light, noise, and traffic, Hermantown is restarting its environmental review (AU review) process. Mayor Bucher stated this is to provide greater transparency, clarity, and detail, with public feedback driving the next phase of the review.
However, the 'Stop the Data Center' group, which has filed a lawsuit against the city over the project, argues that an AU review is insufficient and is advocating for a full environmental impact statement.