Data center, well on agenda for Homer
The Homer City Council is proactively developing a proposed ordinance to establish guidelines for future data center requests, despite not having received any applications yet. City leaders are concerned about the impact on local resources, particularly water and electricity. A public hearing will be held before the ordinance is enacted.
The Homer City Council recently deliberated on a proposed ordinance to establish guidelines for potential data center developments within the city. Though no specific data center applications have been submitted, city leaders are proactively preparing regulations to manage future requests.
The proposed ordinance, drafted by attorney David Syfan, addresses key concerns such as water, electricity, and noise. Mayor Cliff Hill expressed skepticism about the city's water capacity, stating, "I don’t think we have the water to support a data center but we want to get head of that." Councilman James Dumas affirmed the comprehensive nature of the ordinance, advocating for its progression. A public hearing is scheduled before the ordinance can be enacted.
In a related matter, Mayor Hill provided an update on efforts to reactivate the city’s "Well 2," which is undergoing tests. Preliminary results indicate the well could produce 60 gallons per minute, supplementing the city's existing water supply.