Controversial data center moves forward in Independence. Construction expected to create 1,300 jobs

Nebius has officially broken ground on a new data center campus in Independence, Missouri, a project that has been at the center of significant legal and public debate. The facility, located near 78 Highway and Little Blue Parkway, is slated to cover up to 400 acres and will require 800 megawatts of power. In March, the Independence City Council, in a 5-2 vote, approved a substantial financing package for the project, which includes billions in taxable industrial revenue bonds and tax incentives. This decision prompted strong opposition from local residents who gathered over 2,000 signatures in an attempt to force a public referendum. However, a judge rejected the referendum bid, ruling that the city charter did not permit such a vote since the tax incentive ordinance was already in effect. Independence City Councilman Cody Atkinson highlighted the economic benefits, projecting an annual revenue of $30 to $50 million for the city, potentially increasing the city's budget by up to 60%. He stated this revenue would fund community reinvestment, including park improvements and support for mental health and addiction services. The project is expected to create 1,300 construction jobs and 130 full-time operational jobs. John Boynton, chairman of Nebius, described the Independence project as their largest U.S. announcement to date. He emphasized the company's commitment to minimizing environmental impact through a closed-loop cooling system, using water "on the same order of magnitude as a restaurant," and reopening a closed IPL power plant while ensuring no impact on consumer electricity rates. Nebius also pledged investments in local educational resources. Boynton addressed community concerns about AI and the project's impact, asserting Nebius's transparency and promise-keeping. Councilman Atkinson reiterated the city's commitment to listening to residents' concerns despite disagreements.