Osawatomie moves forward with 500-megawatt data center campus
Osawatomie, Kansas is partnering with Alcove Development to build a 500-megawatt data center campus, which is considered the largest economic development project in Miami County history. The project aims to significantly improve the city's tax base and addresses concerns about power and water usage with modern air-cooled designs. The city is currently working through the special use permit process.
Osawatomie, Kansas, is proceeding with Project Catalyst, a 500-megawatt data center campus in partnership with Lawrence-based Alcove Development. This 283-acre development within city limits is touted as the largest economic project in Miami County's history, with city manager Bret Glendening emphasizing its potential to diversify Osawatomie's property tax base, which currently relies heavily on residential properties. Mayor Nick Hampson and Alcove Development Principal GW Weld expressed excitement for the project's long-term benefits and commitment to responsible development.
Officials acknowledged community concerns and "misinformation" surrounding the project, particularly regarding potential impacts on city services and utility rates. They clarified that data centers impose minimal strain on police, fire, roads, or schools. Regarding electricity, Kansas law and the Kansas Corporation Commission strictly prohibit cross-subsidization, ensuring the data center will bear its own infrastructure and operating costs, potentially benefiting residential taxpayers by spreading existing infrastructure costs.
Water usage, a common concern for data centers, was also addressed. Project Catalyst will utilize a fully air-cooled design, significantly reducing water demands compared to older evaporative cooling methods. Beyond the initial filling of a closed-loop system, daily water consumption will be comparable to a standard office building, primarily for restrooms and hand-washing. The city and Alcove Development are currently working through the entitlement and special use permit processes, with commitments to ongoing community engagement.