Proposed JPG data center could generate $60M taxes annually

The Ford family of Dupont has submitted a comprehensive plan to the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Office for a multi-billion dollar data center campus at the former Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) in Jefferson County, Indiana. The proposed 549-acre development, situated on land purchased by Dean Ford over 30 years ago, recently received site plan approval from the county, contingent on securing all necessary federal and state permits. Daniel and Deanna Ford, siblings driving the project, highlight its potential to generate approximately 300 on-site jobs and an estimated $60 million in annual property tax revenue, significantly boosting the county's finances. Addressing community concerns, the Fords emphasized that the property is already zoned industrial, eliminating the need for further variances or county board approval for the data center itself. They are committed to transparent communication, actively engaging with residents to answer questions. Regarding infrastructure, Daniel Ford stated that the project would fully fund all necessary electrical upgrades, including new capacity and updates to aging substations and transmission lines, ensuring costs are not passed to ratepayers. Similarly, water usage concerns are being mitigated with a closed-loop cooling system, designed to operate with minimal water consumption—less than a typical golf course for the entire campus. The project will utilize existing JPG water infrastructure and a state-licensed private sewer system. The development will feature nine large concrete buildings totaling over 7 million square feet, constructed in phases over three to four years. The Fords, who have deep roots in Jefferson County, stressed that the project is an independent family initiative, not seeking tax abatements or involving economic development committees or state officials in its inception. They plan to commit $25 million in charitable funds to local non-profits, including a $1.5 million contribution to the Jefferson County 4-H Fairgrounds, and are partnering with Ivy Tech Community College Madison and local high schools for workforce development to prepare residents for the high-paying jobs the data center will provide.