McPherson County Planning Board Tables Vote on Leola Data Center Amid Opposition
The McPherson County Planning and Zoning Board has deferred action on a conditional use permit for the proposed 50-megawatt Leola Data Center in north central South Dakota. The decision was postponed pending financial contribution agreements with the company, as the project faces community pushback over water and power usage concerns.
The McPherson County Planning and Zoning Board in north central South Dakota has deferred action on a conditional use permit for the proposed Leola Data Center. This decision, reported by the Aberdeen Insider, was postponed until specific financial contribution agreements are finalized with the company involved in the project. The date for the next meeting has not yet been determined.
The proposed 50-megawatt data center, initially put forward in 2024, has faced considerable community opposition, primarily concerning its anticipated water and power consumption. In an effort to address these concerns, the company has committed to providing funds to local emergency responders and the school districts of both Leola and Eureka.