Hallam Village Board unanimously approves Monolith data center
The Hallam Village Board unanimously approved a special use permit for Monolith’s planned 35-megawatt modular data center in Hallam, Nebraska. Monolith is partnering with Crusoe, which will develop up to 30 modular AI factory units and provide millions of dollars in community benefits, while residents raised concerns about sound, battery storage and oversight.
The Hallam Village Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a 35-megawatt data center at Monolith’s Olive Creek site. The 10-acre facility will include up to 30 modular units developed by Crusoe, an AI infrastructure company, as part of Monolith’s broader expansion of its carbon black operations. The Hallam Planning Commission had previously recommended approval.
Crusoe will provide $160,000 once construction begins, $1 million when the facility becomes operational and $150,000 annually for 10 years. The agreement also includes funding for Hallam Volunteer Fire and Rescue and reimbursement for the village’s permitting and monitoring costs. During a public hearing, residents questioned sound impacts, battery storage and the village’s ability to enforce requirements, but the concerns did not change the board’s decision.