What's next for a proposed data center in Festus?

On Tuesday, following a contentious 6-2 vote by the Festus City Council to approve a $6 billion hyperscale data center project, developers CRG and Clayco publicly addressed the decision. The approval, which includes a development agreement promising $1.3 billion in local benefits, paves the way for a massive facility in Festus, Missouri. The project faces significant backlash from local residents, who expressed fears about potential environmental harm, decreased property values, and negative impacts on public health. Despite the developers' assurances of economic prosperity, including 150 permanent operational jobs, 1,000 construction jobs, and a new $5 million firehouse, hundreds remain unconvinced. In response to the council's decision, attorney Steve Jeffrey confirmed that several residents have retained counsel and are finalizing strategies for legal action, potentially challenging the development agreement and alleging "Sunshine Law violations" related to transparency. Festus Mayor Sam Richards acknowledged the long administrative road ahead for the project, including multiple permit approvals by planning and zoning or the council, and stated he has advised CRG to host two open houses for community engagement before construction begins.