YCUA Board of Commissioners approves data center moratorium

The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on water and sewer services for new data centers and similar facilities. The decision, made at their April 22, 2026, meeting, stems from a request by the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees, aiming to allow time for a comprehensive due diligence study into the effects of such facilities. Ypsilanti Supervisor Brenda Stumbo, who also serves as a YCUA Commissioner, indicated this action is part of the ongoing discussion surrounding the proposed University of Michigan/Los Alamos supercomputer center. Commissioner Jon Ichesco expressed some hesitation about the 12-month deadline, citing concerns about feasibility and the potential cost of litigation, also noting that YCUA represents areas beyond Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township. YCUA Executive Director Luke Blackburn stated the utility would issue a Request for Proposals to secure experts for the necessary studies.