State's largest data center unanimously approved, despite public pushback
The Weld County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a special review permit for Global AI's data center project, despite public opposition concerning water usage, power consumption, and noise. The project, planned for the former Kodak facility between Greeley and Windsor, is anticipated to be the largest in the state and aims for operation by the end of the year.
The Weld County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Global AI's application for a special review permit for a new AI data center, despite significant public opposition. The decision followed an eight-hour meeting where approximately 40 community members voiced concerns primarily about water usage, power consumption, and noise, urging commissioners to vote against the project.
Scott James, Chairman of the Weld County Board of Commissioners, acknowledged the public's concerns. He stated that the power supplier, Puta Valley, confirmed it has the necessary capacity. Furthermore, the water usage concern, identified during the code passage in April, was addressed by Global AI's proposed closed-loop water system.
The data center is slated for the former Kodak facility, situated between Greeley and Windsor. The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the permit. The county has pledged close monitoring of the data center, particularly regarding noise, through its compliance departments.
Global AI aims for the data center to be operational by the end of the year and estimates an employment of 80 to 120 people. This facility is planned to be constructed in phases and has the potential to become the largest data center in Colorado.