Future Data Center Moratorium to be Talked About in County Committee Next Week

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, is poised to discuss a potential moratorium on data center development, an initiative sparked by requests from the Towns of Two Rivers, Mishicot, and Two Creeks. These towns approached the county after representatives from data center developers reportedly engaged with residents regarding land acquisition. County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer elaborated on the issue during WOMT ’s Be My Guest program, highlighting data centers as a significant future concern. He likened them to "mini nuclear power plants" due to their substantial land and power requirements. Ziegelbauer expressed apprehension that data centers could escalate local utility rates and introduce considerable environmental concerns within the county. The proposed moratorium is scheduled for review by the county’s Park and Planning Commission next Monday, March 30th. Should it advance from the commission, the measure could then be considered by the full County Board in late April or May. Ziegelbauer, who is retiring after two decades of service, will not be in office when the Board of Supervisors convenes next month, leaving the future of data center development in Manitowoc County uncertain.