City of Osawatomie, developers announce plan to move data center forward despite community outcry
The City of Osawatomie and developer ALCOVE announced plans to move forward with Project Catalyst, a 283-acre data center campus, despite significant community opposition concerning water usage, power demands, and its impact on a nearby state hospital. The project is now entering the city's approval process after a packed public meeting where no immediate decision was made.
A contentious debate surrounding a proposed billion-dollar data center development, dubbed "Project Catalyst," has intensified in Osawatomie, Miami County, Kansas. Hundreds of residents attended a city council meeting to voice their opinions on the 283-acre campus. Supporters highlighted the potential for significant economic benefits through tax revenue, while opponents raised serious concerns about excessive water and power consumption, as well as potential detrimental effects on the community, particularly patients at a nearby state hospital. One resident expressed terror that the development would harm treatment and recovery, calling it a "city facilitated destruction of our community."
Despite the community outcry and the absence of immediate decisions at the city council meeting, the City of Osawatomie, alongside developer ALCOVE, announced just hours later their intent to proceed with the project. ALCOVE released a statement to KMBC9, affirming their pride in sharing their plans and commitment to being "good neighbors" as the project navigates the city's approval process. The development now moves forward to secure necessary city approvals, indicating ongoing stages of review and potential further public engagement.