Alton Steel Inc. site proposed for redevelopment as data center campus
Alton Steel Inc. and TerraWatt are exploring the purchase and redevelopment of the former Alton Steel property in Alton, Illinois, as a data center campus. No permit or zoning application has been filed, and the city plans to hire consultants to evaluate the proposal's economic, environmental, water, energy, noise and traffic impacts.
Alton Steel Inc. and TerraWatt have contacted the City of Alton about potentially purchasing and redeveloping the former Alton Steel site as a data center campus. Mayor David Goins said the proposal could bring investment, jobs and tax revenue, but the city wants detailed information about electricity and water use, environmental protections, noise, traffic and other community impacts.
The city plans to procure civil engineering, planning and environmental consulting services and work with the City Council to assess the proposal. TerraWatt is conducting community outreach and plans to hold a public open house. The project would require a zoning change, followed by review and votes by the Alton Plan Commission and City Council, but no formal application has yet been submitted.