Clayco/CRG responds to data center debate in Festus

Bob Clark, founder of St. Louis-grown Clayco, is moving ahead with a significant data center project in Festus, Missouri, amid growing local opposition. Clark, whose company focuses on development, real estate, and engineering, is pushing for the project, arguing that St. Louis needs these data centers to compete and grow. He stated his willingness to work with opponents to finalize the deal and convince the community of the project's benefits. The development faces a new lawsuit from Festus residents, who are concerned about potential environmental impacts, including effects on air quality, noise levels, and the water supply. Clark, however, asserts that Clayco has not violated any laws or rules and is committed to ensuring no degradation to water services. He emphasized that the project would not be built if it couldn't be done safely. Clark highlighted the substantial economic advantages for Festus, noting that the project represents a $6 billion investment expected to double the city's current $40 million annual budget. This investment, he added, would include half going towards local union construction companies and would create between 100 to 200 jobs upon completion. Clark expressed a desire for Missouri to remain competitive in the data center industry, fearing that a rejection of such projects would lead to economic benefits shifting to other states like Kansas, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington.