Sioux City officials clarify data center label on map ahead of stormwater study vote
Sioux City officials clarified confusion surrounding a map that labeled a 720-acre plot as a "proposed data center" near Whispering Creek. The city confirmed there are no current plans for a data center in the city, stating the label was a mistake. The map was part of a $67,000 preliminary engineering study for stormwater management in potential future development areas.
Confusion arose in Sioux City regarding a potential data center after a City Council meeting agenda included plans for a facility near Whispering Creek. City leaders, however, quickly clarified that there are currently no concrete plans for a data center in the city, attributing the initial misunderstanding to a mistake.
The confusion originated from a $67,000 agreement approved by the City Council with HR Green, a civil engineering firm, to conduct a preliminary engineering study. This study, focusing on stormwater management, included seven different areas, one of which was a 720-acre plot off Highway 141. On maps provided to the City Council for this study, this specific area was erroneously labeled as a "proposed data center" location.
KTIV spoke with the Sioux City Public Works Director, who explained that the maps are created by the Economic Development Team to outline potential future developments, such as data centers, to proactively plan for infrastructure. Marty Dougherty, Sioux City Economic and Community Development Director, acknowledged that his department provided the maps and confirmed that the "proposed data center" label should not have been included.
The study's primary purpose is for the city council to plan ahead by identifying areas likely to grow and to develop regional storm ponds. This proactive approach aims to manage stormwater more effectively as development occurs, allowing the city to use funds from future developers to build strategic basins to handle heavy rainfall.