Companies showing interest in bringing data center to Jackson County

Jackson County officials are actively seeking to attract data center developers, following an earlier setback where a developer pulled their plans. Mark Shotwell, Chair of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that several companies have expressed interest in establishing data centers in the area. The county has engaged in discussions with Jackson Energy to assess the energy infrastructure requirements and identify suitable sites, including those that can be repurposed.

Shotwell emphasized the potential for data centers to generate significant tax revenue and create jobs within the community, highlighting that such projects could bolster local tax dollars without necessitating a millage increase. Commissioner Chorczynski noted that data centers typically self-supply their power, which could lead to increased energy costs for private citizens, though Shotwell pointed to the county's battery storage project in Summit Township as a means to manage local energy demands.

The county is focused on a cautious approach, with Shotwell stating that they must determine the "best and safest way" to proceed, particularly concerning environmental considerations for each site. The goal is to prepare the county's infrastructure and policies to accommodate data centers responsibly.