Now’s your chance to comment on the data center slated for the Port of Little Rock!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened a public comment period for a large data center project proposed near the Port of Little Rock, Arkansas. The facility, identified by the Democrat-Gazette as a Google development, requires a permit from the Army Corps due to its planned impact on federal waters, specifically involving the dredging and filling of approximately 16 acres of wetlands near Fourche Creek. The public notice provides new details on the project, which follows the city's prior rezoning of the land and a signed memorandum of understanding. The proposed data center is projected to draw more than 100 megawatts of power and will feature about five industrial buildings totaling 1.43 million square feet. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on endangered species, such as monarch butterflies. Public comments on the permitting application will be accepted until May 1 and should be submitted electronically. Commenters also have the option to request that the USACE hold a public hearing on the matter, though such a request may not be granted.