Google is considering a data center in Salix, IA
Google is exploring a data center in Salix, Iowa, in partnership with MidAmerican Energy, which has publicly announced the prospective customer. The Salix City Council recently voted to proceed with drafting a moratorium on data center development, signaling community discussion and potential opposition.
MidAmerican Energy has announced that Google is exploring a potential data center development in Salix, Iowa, having finalized an agreement to investigate a specific site. MidAmerican emphasized transparency by sharing this information early with local leaders and residents before any formal plans are submitted.
Google's Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs, Trent Fellers, also sent a letter to the Salix community, confirming the company's interest. The letter highlighted Google's nearly two-decade history in Iowa, including a $20 billion investment in its Council Bluffs campus, and committed to not pursuing local real estate property tax abatements. Google stated its intention to engage in a collaborative and constructive public process to understand community input.
The prospect of a data center follows Salix's earlier annexation of 900 acres for such a development. While some residents see significant economic opportunities, others voiced concerns during a public forum, fearing it would not attract younger families to the aging community.
In response to the differing opinions and the potential project, the Salix City Council voted 3-2 in their July 8 meeting to move forward with drafting a possible moratorium on data centers. The council plans an official vote on the moratorium language at an upcoming meeting.