A behind-the-scenes look at a Wisconsin data center proposal
A proposed $1 billion data center project in Grant County, Wisconsin, has faced significant public opposition and led to local townships enacting moratoriums. The project, initially met with excitement for its economic potential, stalled after the developers, whose backgrounds were not thoroughly vetted, ceased meetings. Local residents mobilized quickly, holding rallies and prompting local government action against the development.
Ron Brisbois, executive director of the Grant County Economic Development Corp., announced a proposed $1 billion, 500-acre data center in Grant County, Wisconsin, late last year. The project, which promised an estimated 50 permanent jobs and $5.5 million annually in property taxes, initially generated local excitement. Developers met with Brisbois, local leaders, and the state Department of Natural Resources regarding required permits, indicating initial momentum.
However, the project quickly became controversial, encountering significant public opposition. Within days of the announcement, Grant County residents mobilized, forming a Facebook group and organizing rallies that drew hundreds of people. This public pushback, alongside media coverage, coincided with local townships in Grant County approving moratoriums against data centers.
The proposed development subsequently stalled, with out-of-state developers ceasing meetings, leaving local officials and residents questioning the project's future. Brisbois admitted to conducting minimal due diligence on the developers' backgrounds or capabilities, viewing his role as welcoming development proposals rather than vetting them.
The combination of community opposition and local governmental actions, particularly the moratoriums, appears to have contributed to the project's current pause, leaving its future uncertain.