County extending first city water lines to Microsoft data center site
St. Joseph County is managing a $6 million project to extend water lines to Microsoft's data center site in Granger, Indiana. Microsoft is funding the extension, and the city of Mishawaka will eventually own and operate the new water lines. The project will also benefit other developments and residents along the Capital Avenue corridor.
St. Joseph County is overseeing the initial phase of extending municipal water lines northward to serve Microsoft's new data center location in Granger, Indiana. The project, valued at $6 million, involves extending water lines up Bittersweet Road, from Day to Cleveland roads.
Bill Schalliol, St. Joseph County's economic development director, stated that Microsoft is fully funding this infrastructure extension. Once construction is complete, the city of Mishawaka will assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the new water lines.
Schalliol emphasized that while the data center is a primary beneficiary, the new municipal utilities will also benefit other current residents and future developments along the Capital Avenue corridor. He noted that homes on and near Bittersweet Road will eventually have the option to connect, though additional infrastructure like a water tower and lift stations are still needed to pressurize the system, a process expected to take a couple of years.