Developers of Saline Township data center promise to be good neighbors
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other dignitaries attended a celebration for the Saline Township data center, which has faced controversy but is already under construction. Developers pledged to be good neighbors, with Related Companies announcing a $10 million investment in the Saline Recreation Center. They also addressed environmental concerns by committing to closed-loop air cooling for water conservation and covering all energy costs.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, alongside key executives from Related Digital, Oracle, OpenAI, and Wallbridge, participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking event for the Saline Township data center. The celebration marked a significant milestone for the project, despite construction having commenced several months prior.
Amidst acknowledged controversy surrounding the data center's development, the project's leaders, including Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies and Chairman of Related Digital, emphasized their commitment to community engagement and being responsible neighbors. As a gesture of this commitment, Blau announced a substantial $10 million investment from Related Companies to the Saline Recreation Center.
Developers also addressed environmental concerns, stating that the facility would utilize closed-loop air cooling to minimize water consumption and that all energy-related costs would be fully absorbed by the project. The event notably made little explicit mention of the local opposition that has been voiced against this and other data center proposals within the Washtenaw County region, instead focusing on the project's progression and its positive community contributions.