Northern Colorado county unanimously approves new GlobalAI data center
Weld County Commissioners unanimously approved GlobalAI's data center project near Windsor, Colorado, despite public concerns regarding environmental impacts, water usage, and noise. The approval followed an 8.5-hour public hearing where the county determined the proposal met existing ordinances. GlobalAI plans to use a closed-loop cooling system for the facility, which is already under construction at the old Kodak site.
Weld County Commissioners have unanimously approved GlobalAI's proposal to build a new data center near Windsor, Colorado, following an extensive 8.5-hour public hearing that ended in a 5-0 vote. The project, located in the old Kodak facility east of Windsor, will be the newest AI data center in Northern Colorado.
Local residents, including Patricia Garcia Nelson from Green Latinos, voiced significant concerns during the meeting regarding the project's potential impact on wildlife, water resources, and community sound, particularly given its proximity to the Poudre River. Concerns were also raised about GlobalAI requesting waivers for ordinances established for data centers in April and potential discharge into the river.
Despite these concerns, County Chair Scott James, who had previously voted against the county's data center ordinance due to concerns about water safeguards, ultimately voted in favor of the project. He stated that GlobalAI's proposal met all existing county standards, leaving the commissioners no option but to approve it. James also emphasized the crucial role of data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure for Weld County's future. GlobalAI plans to use a closed-loop system for cooling, which officials compared to a vehicle's radiator, recycling fluids rather than continuously adding water.