Town of Cassville rejects a plan to build a massive $1 billion data center

The Town of Cassville, Wisconsin, has unanimously voted to reject a proposed $1 billion data center development and enacted an ordinance prohibiting data centers in the town for up to two years. The decision, made by 44 residents with no dissenting votes during a special town meeting, comes amid strong community opposition to the anonymous developer's plan. Residents cited fears of property devaluation, well contamination, increased electricity bills, and the irreversible loss of 500 acres of the ecologically sensitive Driftless area. Despite promises of 50 jobs and over $5.5 million in annual property tax revenue, the community prioritized preserving its pastoral landscape, abundant aquifer, and temperate climate. The town's attorney, Eric Hagen, stated that the new ordinance, which also prevents land use changes without town board approval, is designed to make Cassville an unattractive site for data center developers. This local action mirrors similar pushback in other Midwestern communities, including Port Washington, Wisconsin, and Clayton County, Iowa, which are considering their own restrictions on data center development. Ron Brisbois, executive director of the Grant County Economic Development Corp., noted that the developer, who remains anonymous, is also considering sites in Indiana and North Dakota.