U-M selects site for joint data center with Los Alamos Laboratory
The University of Michigan has selected a site in Ypsilanti Township for a new $1.25 billion research computing center in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory. This decision has caused outrage among local officials and residents due to environmental concerns and the facility's ties to nuclear weapons research. Despite strong community opposition and claims of environmental racism, U-M defends its site selection, citing infrastructure needs and existing light industrial zoning.
The University of Michigan has announced its preferred site for a $1.25 billion high-performance research computing center, a joint project with Los Alamos National Laboratory. The chosen 144-acre site along Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township has sparked significant outrage from local officials and residents. Critics, including Ypsilanti Township attorney Doug Winters, have expressed deep environmental concerns regarding the site's proximity to the Huron River and woodlands, as well as fears about the facility's involvement in nuclear weapons research.
U-M officials defended the selection, stating the site meets infrastructure needs, allows for substantial buffers, and supports responsible long-term development. They emphasized that the facility is not a military installation, will not store hazardous nuclear materials, or produce weapons, but acknowledged Los Alamos's role in computational modeling for nuclear stewardship and national security research. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and University of Michigan Regent Paul Brown have also voiced strong opposition, accusing the university of disregarding community input and contributing to environmental racism due to the site's demographic makeup.
The project is backed by a $100 million Strategic Site Readiness Program grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC). U-M considered other locations, such as the American Center for Mobility property, but found them impractical. University officials highlighted that the Textile Road site is already zoned for light industrial use by Ypsilanti Township and noted it would have a smaller footprint and less traffic than a previously approved Amazon distribution center. U-M plans to host a community town hall meeting on September 9 to address ongoing concerns.