Data center company eyes Boone site after pushback in Ames
A data center developer is considering a site in Boone after hundreds of Ames residents opposed its original proposal. The project would be located within Boone city limits, where a Boone County moratorium does not apply, and would require approval from the Boone City Council.
A Des Moines-based company is exploring a Boone site for a data center after facing opposition to a proposed facility in Ames. The Boone County Economic Growth Corporation is helping identify available property in its business park, and officials say the project could diversify Boone's tax base without adding expenses to the city.
The facility would receive electricity from Alliant Energy rather than a city-owned utility. Alliant said customers using large amounts of energy are responsible for the grid investments needed to protect other ratepayers. Residents attending an informational meeting raised questions about water and electricity consumption, as well as potential noise. The project still needs Boone City Council approval, though it was unclear whether the proposal would be on the council's next meeting agenda.