Fort Madison Residents Oppose Data Center, County Attorney Files Cease and Desist

News ClipPen City Current·Fort Madison, Lee County, IA·8/9/2026

Concerned citizens in Fort Madison, Iowa, gathered to protest the construction of a data center on Burlington Hill, citing concerns about noise, massive electricity consumption, and water usage. Despite initial claims of being powerless by the Planning & Zoning Department, the Lee County Attorney filed a Cease and Desist Order, temporarily halting the project due to a recently enacted county-wide moratorium.

oppositionzoningenvironmentalgovernmentlegalelectricitywatermoratorium
Gov: Planning & Zoning Department, City of Fort Madison, Lee County Board of Supervisors, Lee County Attorney, Regional Planning Commission

Residents of Fort Madison and surrounding Lee County, Iowa, voiced strong opposition at a Planning & Zoning Department meeting regarding an