Weld County commissioners approve AI data center permit
Weld County commissioners unanimously approved a permit for Global AI to operate an AI data center near Windsor after nearly eight hours of public debate. The project, planned for a former industrial site, faced concerns regarding water usage, noise, and power grid capacity, which the applicant addressed with a closed-loop cooling system and noise standards. The approval grants land use but requires further permits before construction.
Weld County commissioners unanimously approved a permit for Global AI to operate the county's first AI data center near Windsor, Colorado, following an extensive eight-hour public hearing. The decision grants land use approval, but the company still needs to clear several other hurdles before construction can commence.
Residents voiced significant concerns regarding water consumption, potential toxins, noise levels, and the local power grid's capacity. Jason Maxey, representing Global AI, addressed water concerns by explaining the facility's closed-loop cooling system would initially use approximately 65,000 gallons for charging and an average of 6,500 gallons annually, significantly less than a typical home. The county also implemented noise standards, including continuous monitoring, and relied on the area's power provider to confirm grid readiness.
The project involves reusing part of the former Kodak and CareStream site in the 9,000 block of Eastman Park Drive, transforming the industrial space into an AI computing facility. While the first phase is expected to create about 20 high-skilled, technical jobs, the development marks uncharted territory for Weld County, with officials committed to monitoring Global AI's adherence to the agreed-upon rules.