Hermantown City Council approves data center reimbursements
The Hermantown City Council approved payment reimbursement agreements for a proposed Google data center, including funds from Mortenson Development and Minnesota Power for an environmental review. The council also held a closed session to discuss ongoing lawsuits related to the project, while dozens of residents expressed frustration and concerns about environmental and noise pollution at the public meeting.
The Hermantown City Council met Monday night to discuss new developments for a proposed Google data center in the city. The council approved multiple resolutions for payment reimbursement agreements from project collaborators, including $200,000 from Mortenson Development for planning and consultation and $20,000 from Minnesota Power for an environmental review of a transmission line to the data center site.
Before the public session, councilors held a closed meeting to discuss existing lawsuits filed against Hermantown concerning the project. During the open meeting, dozens of residents voiced their frustration and concerns, following a recent open house hosted by Google that drew hundreds of community members.
Resident Jill Dryke expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of answers from vendors at the open house. Google's Halston Sleets acknowledged community concerns and committed to Google being a long-term partner in Minnesota. Some attendees supported the economic benefits of the data center but urged leaders to address opposition points, such as potential pollution of trout streams, noise, and light.