Minnesota's first hyperscale data center nearing completion in Rosemount
Meta's hyperscale data center in Rosemount, Minnesota, is nearing completion, sparking mixed reactions from nearby residents and prompting a broader statewide discussion on data center impacts. While the project followed local requirements, concerns about secrecy, resource consumption, and the need for community assessment tools are prevalent across Minnesota.
The Meta data center campus at UMore Park in Rosemount, Minnesota, is nearing completion, approximately 16 miles south of St. Paul. The 280-acre, 715,000-square-foot facility, initially known as “Project Bigfoot,” is expected to be finished by late summer. Local residents, including Pastor Christopher Horton, whose St. John's Lutheran Church is across from the site, have observed the development with mixed feelings, noting many neighbors sold their land.
The Rosemount City Council, through Community Development Director Adam Kienberger, stated the project has been "well run, professionally managed, and followed all local requirements," affirming the city's support for growth. However, the development highlights broader statewide concerns regarding data centers, including their secrecy, resource consumption, and the impact on local infrastructure. Environmental groups have paused other projects with lawsuits, and some cities have implemented moratoria.
Resource consumption, particularly electricity and water, is a significant part of the statewide debate. Xcel Energy spokesperson Kevin Coss confirmed their commitment to grid reliability, noting that data centers cover infrastructure upgrade costs. Drew Johnson, Senior Vice President of Development for Oppidan, addressed "misnomers" about water use, stating the industry is transitioning away from water-intensive cooling. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers failed to pass a blanket NDA ban for local governments during the recent legislative session.
In response to the rapid pace of development, a coalition of southeast Minnesota cities is collaborating with the University of Minnesota to develop a toolkit for communities to assess data center proposals based on facts. City administrators, such as Al Roder of Byron and Bill Schimmel of Stewartville, emphasized the need to understand both the pros and cons, acknowledging the increasing dependency on data centers in daily life.