Weld County Commissioners Approve Special Permit for Global AI Data Center near Greeley
Weld County Commissioners unanimously approved a special permit for a 438-acre Global AI data center planned for a former industrial site between Windsor and Greeley, Colorado. The decision followed hours of public testimony and addressed community concerns regarding water, electricity, and noise, which commissioners stated were resolved by the developer's plans and site selection. The Greeley City Council also voted to annex the property, facilitating water access and reinforcing its industrial designation.
Weld County Commissioners unanimously approved a special permit for a Global AI data center on a 438-acre site situated between Windsor and Greeley during their September 9 meeting. The decision followed several hours of public testimony from over 40 community members and experts who raised concerns about water, electricity demand, and ambient noise.
Commissioner Kevin Ross moved to approve the plan, citing that the project met all staff criteria, including compliance with the master drainage plan, stormwater permitting with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and an industrial wastewater treatment plan. The proposed facility is slated for the former Carestream Health site, an existing industrial facility, which Commissioner Lynn Pepler highlighted as a good use of resources, addressing concerns about converting agricultural land. Pepler also noted that community input led to deeper scrutiny of the project, ultimately satisfying her concerns.
Ross also mentioned that the facility is remote, with the nearest residence a half-mile away, minimizing residential impacts. He encouraged Greeley's annexation of the property, which the Greeley City Council approved a day earlier, providing the data center with water access. Global AI will be responsible for all utility-demand upgrades, including power generation and delivery infrastructure. Regarding noise, Ross and Pepler stated that development standards, supported by ongoing studies and site tours, would ensure the facility meets noise code requirements.
Commissioner Jason Maxey agreed the plan met county requirements, comparing the regulatory framework to robust oil and gas codes. He emphasized the importance of Windsor and Greeley identifying the land as industrial. Commission Chair Scott K. James lauded the site as ideal, predicting economic activity and job creation, facilitated by the data center's computing cycles, despite not generating numerous on-site jobs.