Manitowoc County Board to decide on data center moratorium

The Manitowoc County Board is slated to cast a decisive vote on an ordinance proposing a one-year moratorium on data center development during its meeting on Tuesday night. This measure, which would halt the acceptance of applications and the granting of permits for data center construction, was initiated by a petition in February from the towns of Two Creeks, Two Rivers, and Mishicot. Dean Anhalt, chairperson for the town of Mishicot, clarified that the towns' objective is not to impede artificial intelligence centers but to implement essential safeguards and rules for their communities. The ordinance had previously received unanimous approval from the five-member Manitowoc County Planning and Park Commission in March. Aaron Bilyeu, Chief Development Officer for Cloverleaf Infrastructure, offered a developer's perspective, expressing optimism about moratoriums that seek to establish clear planning and zoning guidelines rather than impose outright bans. Bilyeu indicated that his company is adopting a "wait and see approach" and is prepared to collaborate with communities to develop appropriate data center guidelines.