As opposition grows, Minnesota cities wrestle with hyperscale data center proposals

Tech companies are eyeing Minnesota for data centers because of its relatively cool climate and available land, water and electricity. Meta is already building a facility in Rosemount. More than a dozen other projects have been proposed around the state. Supporters see those developments as economic opportunities that could generate property tax revenue, help pay for infrastructure improvements and create well-paying construction jobs. Residents are concerned about their massive size, water and energy consumption as well as possible noise and light pollution. Most of the projects proposed in Minnesota were also born in secrecy, with code names such as Project Bigfoot in Rosemount and Project Skyway in Pine Island. City officials and the developers often work behind the scenes under non-disclosure agreements. Pine Island residents only found out Google is behind the proposed data center there after months of speculation. At the state Legislature, bills related to data centers and transparency have garnered bipartisan support, but failed to pass. Story by Kirsti Marohn and MPR News Staff Video by Tony Xiao Thumbnail photo by Ben Hovland