Google gives insight into the Palo data center project and plans to break ground
Google plans to build a six-building data center campus near Palo, with groundbreaking expected by early next year and construction continuing through 2031. The project could use 10 million to 14 million gallons of water daily, prompting questions about water availability, environmental impacts and traffic. Google said it moved discussions from Linn County to the City of Palo after the county adopted stricter environmental rules and sought more money, while maintaining that it remains committed to working with both parties.
Google presented plans for a six-building data center project near Palo, Iowa, at a community meeting attended by residents seeking details about the proposal. The company said it expects to break ground by early next year, with construction of the full campus continuing through 2031. The facility could require between 10 million and 14 million gallons of water per day.
Residents raised questions about whether the area has enough water to support the data center and other projects, as well as concerns about environmental effects and traffic. Google representative Allyson Eastman said misinformation had circulated about the project and declined to explain in detail why the company ended talks with Linn County. She said Google remains committed to working with the City of Palo and Linn County on aspects of the development. The county attributed the change in discussions to stricter environmental rules and requests for additional funding.