How a Driftless Area Data Center Deal Fell Apart

A proposed $2 billion, 500-acre data center in Wisconsin's rural Grant County has reportedly failed, according to Ron Brisbois, executive director of the Grant County Economic Development Corp. The out-of-state developers, who remain unnamed, initially expressed interest in the town of Cassville due to its proximity to the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line, essential for the high power demands of AI data centers. Brisbois, who had been working on the project for months, said the developers stopped returning his calls after public opposition mounted.

The proposal, which would have been the largest development in the county's history, faced significant and vocal opposition from local residents like Pete Moris and Melodie Betts. Opponents organized rallies and raised concerns about potential impacts on water wells, the unique Driftless Area landscape, and increased development. Economic development officials initially highlighted the potential for new jobs and substantial tax revenue for local schools and government.

Following the surge in opposition, the Cassville Town Board approved a data center moratorium, a step significant for a town previously without zoning regulation. Several other Grant County towns and the County Board followed suit, enacting their own moratoriums. Concurrently, state lawmakers proposed legislation for statewide data center regulation, and the Wisconsin Public Service Commission considered requiring data centers to pay for associated electricity generation and transmission costs.

Brisbois acknowledged that he performed "very little due diligence" on the developers, citing limited resources as a "one-person show." He expressed disappointment but no regrets, believing the project had merits despite the developers ultimately "ghosting" him, a common practice for projects that are not moving forward.