Pokagon Band supports city of Dowagiac’s call for transparency on data center expansion

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has publicly supported the City of Dowagiac's demand for greater transparency from Hyperscale Data Incorporated concerning its proposed AI data center expansion within the city. The tech company's subsidiary, Alliance Cloud Services, is in the process of acquiring nearly 49 additional acres, which would expand its existing data center campus to 83 acres, more than doubling its current size. Dowagiac Mayor Patrick Bakeman issued an open letter on April 1st requesting more information from the company, a plea now seconded by Pokagon Tribal Chair Matthew Wesaw. Wesaw stated that the lack of detailed information about the project, which surfaced approximately two months prior, has caused significant concern among tribal citizens residing in Dowagiac. Key concerns include potential noise pollution from the 24/7 operation and the data center's water usage, specifically whether it will employ a closed or open cooling system. The Pokagon Band, a significant contributor to Dowagiac's infrastructure through funding for essential services like water and sewer, emphasizes the importance of understanding the project's environmental and community impacts. Tribal members expressed their concerns at a recent meeting, prompting Chair Wesaw to speak out in support of the city's efforts to gain clarity.