The public demanded data center news, and Wisconsin Watch is delivering
Wisconsin Watch has dedicated six months to reporting on data center developments across the state, aiming to inform public debate. Their investigations revealed nondisclosure agreements hiding project details, significant financial impacts from a state sales tax exemption, and land sales in communities like Port Washington. The reporting also detailed a proposed $1 billion data center in Grant County.
Wisconsin Watch has committed six months to reporting on data center developments across the state, aiming to inform public discourse on this evolving industry. Their investigative journalism revealed that officials in several Wisconsin communities signed nondisclosure agreements, concealing details of billion-dollar data center proposals from public scrutiny.
Key reports included details of a $1 billion data center planned for Grant County in the state's Driftless Area, and an official estimate projecting a $2 billion revenue loss for the state government due to a 2023 sales tax exemption for data centers. The organization also highlighted the significant wealth generated for homeowners and farmers through land sales for a data center under construction in Port Washington.
Wisconsin Watch's ongoing coverage also documented efforts by local governments to keep data center details secret and the economic impact of AI-driven data centers, with three Wisconsin companies collectively surpassing $1 billion in related business. The publication continues its work and invites public suggestions for future data center coverage.