Ferguson City Council to discuss potential $1.8B data center project

The Ferguson City Council is set to hold a meeting tonight, December 12, to discuss a proposed $1.8 billion data center project. The project involves redeveloping the former Emerson Electric headquarters into a data center. Residents are expected to have another opportunity to speak directly to city leaders about their concerns. The proposed data center has raised various questions and concerns among residents, specifically regarding potential impacts on taxes, water usage, and public health. Additionally, there are worries about the project's effect on the Ferguson-Florissant School District. A vote on the project was previously delayed last month, with the Mayor citing a need for greater transparency. The proposal includes the city issuing billions in industrial revenue bonds and granting long-term tax abatements to facilitate the massive redevelopment at the former Emerson campus. The council's agenda for tonight includes a public comment session at the beginning and a closed session at the meeting's conclusion. FOX 2's Laura Simon reported live from Ferguson City Hall, noting that the community will be watching closely to see if a vote occurs after the public comments and closed session.