In rural Wisconsin, Cassville rejects a plan to build a massive data center

Cassville, Wisconsin residents have unanimously voted to enact an ordinance prohibiting data centers for two years, effectively rejecting a proposed billion-dollar data center project from an anonymous developer. The decision, made by 44 ballots in favor and none against during a town garage meeting, reflects strong local opposition to large tech developments in rural areas. Despite promises of 50 jobs and over $5.5 million in annual property tax revenue, residents prioritized preserving their 500-acre Driftless area landscape and voiced concerns about property devaluation, well contamination, and increased electricity bills. The project, shrouded in secrecy regarding its location and the company involved, prompted a "hostile backlash" from the community. Town Supervisor Scott Riedl noted the lack of information contributed to resident apprehension. Ron Brisbois, executive director of the Grant County Economic Development Corp., had met with the developer but declined to name the company to avoid jeopardizing the project, highlighting the area's appeal due to its proximity to the high-voltage Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line, which could supply the estimated 400-500 megawatts needed. Town attorney Eric Hagen suggested that by making development inconvenient, Cassville might deter the developer, who is also considering sites in Indiana and North Dakota. This move by Cassville follows similar actions in other Midwestern communities, including Port Washington, Wisconsin, which passed a referendum requiring voter approval for tax incentives for data centers. Wisconsin lawmakers have also sponsored bills to prevent the use of confidential nondisclosure agreements by developers. Brisbois, however, wondered if the objections stemmed more from data centers' tarnished image than genuine concerns about water and power use, noting that the developer has been quiet since the vote, which he attributes to the lack of local tax incentives rather than community unease.