Google constructing data center in Michigan City

Google says they are the tech company building a data center in Michigan City. Construction of the $832-million project began last Fall. It is expected to create more than 500 jobs. Construction of the data center has progressed over the past few months. With nationwide community discussion around the impact of data centers, this one was no different. However, the past few months haven’t come without problems. Now, Google is vowing to change that. Concerns surround water usage, power usage, sound levels and the employment of union workers. IUOE Local 150 has been picketing the non-use of union labor workers and released the following statement, “IUOE Local 150 has consistently expressed support for responsible data center development and the economic opportunities such projects can bring to local communities. For example, earlier this week, approximately 250 of our members attended the LaPorte City Council meeting in support of the proposed data center project. We have ongoing concerns, however, over the Project Maize data center in Michigan City, and the manner in which the data center project in Michigan City has been executed. Specifically, the project has relied on out-of-state contractors and workers, and the worksite has raised serious safety concerns. In October of last year, a worker fell from the roof, and despite the availability of security and police body camera footage, there has been little clarity or transparency regarding the incident. This is deeply troubling. Google has now publicly stated its intention to be a good community partner, both collaborative and transparent; and local leaders have indicated that the company plans to utilize local trades “within reason.” Local 150 sincerely hopes this commitment to local labor is fully honored. However, language such as “within reason” introduces uncertainty and leaves room for doubt. IUOE Local 150’s position remains unchanged: for Indiana communities to fully realize the benefits of large-scale projects, such as data centers, that receive state incentives and local tax support, it is essential that local contractors and local workers are employed on such projects. Only then can these projects deliver real and lasting economic value to Indiana communities, workers, and small businesses. Local 150 looks forward to discussions with Google to assist in the delivery of real and long-lasting economic value to Indiana.” Michigan City leaders and Google are working to address some of those concerns. "Well, in all our projects, we ask all our projects, whether it's a data center or a developer doing a mixed use multifamily or industrial, we always ask them to hire from within 30 miles. And we don't discriminate whether it's union or non-union," said Clarence Hulse, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City. Hulse confirmed, there is currently more than a dozen unions working on site. Google shared the announcement with WSBT 22, saying in part, "We don’t just build data centers; we become part of the community. That’s why we’re committed to a sustainable, long-term presence that benefits the entire community. This includes paying for 100% of the cost of power for the site and any infrastructure needs driven by our operations." "This company is known to be sustainable and they're using a closed-loop water system. We have a local ordinance that you can't be over 65 decibels, which they're following. They're going to be in the U-25. So, they've followed all the local ordinances, and they're gone above and beyond doing that," said Hulse. That information is backed by the company behind the build, Phoenix Investors. The data center will be below the 60 to 65 decibel mark and Google will pay 100% of the cost of power. The city has confirmed they have "ample" water to supply the data center, ensuring there will be no extra cost to taxpayers. The expected completion date for the data is expected to be the beginning of 2027. _________________ Stay up to date by following our social media: WSBT 22 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WSBTNews WSBT 22 on X: https://twitter.com/WSBT WSBT 22 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsbt/ For more information, visit https://wsbt.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to our newsroom: wsbtnews@wsbt.com WSBT is an IN based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 markets, after pending transactions. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 38.7% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates.