County Planning Board: We Can Handle Data Center Issue
The Yankton County Planning Commission is advocating to be the body responsible for crafting a new data center zoning ordinance, which will be developed during a proposed 12-month moratorium. The commission members highlighted their experience and current understanding of county zoning laws, addressing concerns such as water usage, noise, and electricity demands. The county also seeks to ensure financial benefits from future data center developments.
Yankton County commissioners are set to hold a public hearing next Tuesday on a proposed 12-month moratorium on data center development. The temporary ban would allow the county to develop a new zoning ordinance specifically for these facilities. A key point of contention is whether the existing Yankton County Planning Commission or a newly created task force will be responsible for drafting this ordinance.
At their recent meeting, members of the Yankton County Planning Commission, including Chairman Sam Hummel and County Commissioner Don Kettering, strongly asserted their capability and desire to lead the ordinance development. Hummel emphasized the commission's existing understanding of zoning laws, experience with controversial issues, and established processes, arguing that creating a new task force would cause unnecessary delays.
The planning commission discussed various critical concerns related to data centers, such as significant water usage, noise pollution, and high electricity demands. They also considered the financial implications, with Kettering highlighting the County Commission's interest in ensuring a cash flow back to the county from data center operations, while the planning board emphasized avoiding financial incentives like tax increment finance districts.
Commission members pledged to remain well-informed, consult experts, and ensure transparency, emphasizing their role in protecting the welfare of Yankton County and its citizens. They noted that the size and type of data center would critically influence the zoning ordinance, suggesting that residents might oppose large-scale operations.