T5-funded study says data center will bring in billions; opponents scoff at the numbers
A T5-commissioned study claims its Grayslake data center development will generate nearly $10 billion in economic output across Illinois by 2031, including billions in Lake County revenue and thousands of jobs. Local opponents, including the Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition, dispute the projections and have sued to stop the project, citing concerns about transparency, power use, water, noise, contamination and air quality.
T5 released an economic impact study projecting that its Grayslake data center complex will generate nearly $10 billion in economic output across Illinois through 2031, including $7.27 billion in Lake County. The analysis forecasts $1.45 billion in statewide tax revenue and substantial construction and operational employment, while Grayslake Mayor Elizabeth Davies said the fully built project could more than double the village’s current property-tax revenue.
T5 and the Village of Grayslake have promoted the development in response to growing local criticism, emphasizing potential economic benefits and saying the project will not cause higher local electricity costs, water depletion or excessive noise. Opponents, including Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition member Bob Landolfi, questioned the study’s assumptions, criticized the release of technical information and economic projections, and argued that the project advanced without adequate public input.
The coalition has filed a lawsuit alleging that the project was approved illegally and should be stopped. Residents and opponents continue to raise concerns about power demand, contamination, noise, light pollution, water and air quality as construction preparations proceed.