Amazon discusses data center plans with Wheatfield, county residents
Amazon Web Services (AWS) held an open house in Wheatfield, Indiana, to discuss plans for a new data center on NIPSCO property in Jasper County. The proposed project involves a $7 billion investment and would include up to nine buildings on a 304-acre site, with discussions still ongoing with NIPSCO and county officials. Concerns from residents and opponents include water usage, energy consumption, noise, property values, utility rates, and wildlife habitat.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is actively pursuing plans to construct a data center campus in Wheatfield, Jasper County, Indiana, as evidenced by an open house held at Kankakee Valley High School. AWS President of Economic Development Roger Wehner confirmed the company is in ongoing discussions with NIPSCO, the owner of the Schahfer Generating Station property, to potentially build the facility on 304 acres located near the existing power plant.
The proposed project entails an estimated $7 billion investment in construction, which AWS officials project would create thousands of temporary construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions. Under a tentative agreement with Jasper County, Amazon would provide an upfront payment of $90 million and annual payments of $22 million for 10 years, in addition to significant tax revenue boosts and $1.25 billion to offset costs for NIPSCO's existing ratepayers.
Community concerns, voiced by residents and opponents, primarily revolve around the data center's impact on water usage, energy consumption, noise, and property values. AWS addressed water concerns, stating the facility would primarily use natural air cooling for 98% of the year, with water-based evaporative cooling reserved for peak heat periods. AWS also plans to invest $20 million in water infrastructure projects that would benefit the community. The company has a track record of similar developments in Northwest Indiana, including a site in New Carlisle and an $11 billion investment in Hobart.