Rochester-area engineering firm to conduct Onondaga County data center study
Onondaga County selected Rochester-area engineering firm CPL to conduct a data center study for $431,595, with work expected to begin by mid-November and finish by April 2027. The study will examine environmental and economic impacts, including water use, air pollution, noise, energy costs and potential tax revenue, amid state and local pauses on new data center proposals.
Onondaga County officials selected Rochester-area engineering firm CPL to conduct a countywide data center study after it submitted the lowest of three bids, at $431,595. Planning department director Troy Waffner said the contract was still being finalized and that the study was expected to begin by mid-November and conclude by mid-April 2027. The review will assess potential environmental effects, including water use, air pollution and noise, as well as economic benefits such as tax revenue and job creation.
The study comes as New York has paused high-scale data center projects under a one-year moratorium ordered by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The Lysander and Clay town boards also approved temporary pauses as officials develop standards for future proposals. CPL is separately involved in planning the STAMP Park in Batavia, where Stream Data Centers is seeking to develop a proposed $20 billion facility. County Executive Ryan McMahon said the county task force and study are intended to help municipalities evaluate future projects using consistent standards.