Discussion surrounding a small-scale data center continues in Estherville, Iowa
PathOne Data Centers presented plans for a potential 25-megawatt, 100,000-square-foot facility in Estherville, Iowa. Local officials and residents are considering zoning recommendations, while Emmet County has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas to study their impacts.
PathOne Data Centers is exploring a small-scale data center in Estherville, proposing a 25-megawatt facility of about 100,000 square feet. Chief Investment Officer Gyles Uhlenhopp said the company targets rural communities and has not yet secured a tenant for the potential project.
Residents questioned the company about noise, water use and decommissioning. The Estherville Planning and Zoning Commission is continuing discussions and plans to finalize recommendations for the City Council. Separately, the Emmet County Board of Supervisors approved a one-year moratorium on new data center projects in unincorporated parts of the county while officials study impacts and develop permanent zoning rules.