Woodbury County residents voice data center concerns in Moville
Residents in Woodbury County, Iowa, attended a public town hall in Moville to voice strong opposition and concerns regarding future data center development, highlighting potential environmental, water usage, and health impacts. County officials are currently gathering feedback as they consider new zoning regulations for data center permitting in unincorporated areas, emphasizing that no final decisions have been made.
Residents of Woodbury County, Iowa, gathered in Moville for a public town hall, expressing significant opposition to proposed data center projects in the region. This meeting was the second stop on the county's listening tour, designed to gather public input on future regulations for data center development.
Attendees raised numerous concerns, including potential negative health and environmental impacts, excessive water use, and doubts about long-term job creation. Keely Bassette Purcell, a member of the Winnebago Tribal Council, specifically warned about harm to local fish and water resources, urging officials to reject such projects. While some residents, like Tom Morgan, acknowledged a lack of full knowledge, they questioned the potential for the county to deter business by only hearing opposition.
Woodbury County Zoning Director Daniel Priestley assured residents that officials are listening and no final zoning recommendations have been made. He explained that these meetings are crucial for understanding community concerns as the county develops procedures, potentially including conditional use permitting, for data centers in unincorporated areas. Further feedback will be collected at an upcoming meeting in Salix on November 9th.
Kristie McManamy, the incoming president and CEO of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, also weighed in, advocating for a balanced approach to data center development. She stressed the importance of careful consideration, ensuring that projects benefit local communities and "pay their own way," while acknowledging the existing presence of data centers in Siouxland. McManamy urged open-minded discussions, warning against rushing into or prematurely rejecting development without reviewing all facts.