Lawsuit That Paused Development of Google Data Center in Pine Island Resolved
A settlement has resolved a lawsuit that temporarily halted development of Google's Project Skyway data center in Pine Island. Google and developer Ryan Companies must submit an environmental mitigation plan for public review, while local opposition to the project remains active.
The Pine Island City Council approved a settlement resolving a lawsuit brought by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy over the Project Skyway data center. A court order had paused development after the group sought additional environmental review. Under the settlement, Google and Ryan Companies must submit a mitigation plan to the city, followed by a 30-day public comment period and two public meetings.
Mayor Brandi Veith Staloch said the agreement would allow the project to move forward responsibly. The development previously received a conditional use permit and would occupy 90 acres of a 482-acre site in Pine Island and Pine Island Township. Some area residents continue to oppose the project, while supporters cite hundreds of construction jobs, permanent employment and projected tax revenue for the city and Pine Island Public Schools.