Developer defends $6 billion data center despite voter rejection in Festus
News Clip3:01KSDK News·Festus, Saint Louis County, MO·4/13/2026
A $6 billion data center project in Festus, Missouri, faces strong opposition after voters rejected it at the ballot box and neighbors filed a lawsuit. Developer Bob Clark of CRG defends the project, arguing for its public benefits despite critics' concerns about transparency and water usage. The legal battle is ongoing, with a judge's ruling pending.
oppositionenvironmentalgovernmentlegalwater
Gov: City of Festus, Festus City Council, Judiciary
Bob Clark, founder of a major construction company, defended his $6 billion data center project in Festus, Missouri, following its rejection by Festus voters and a lawsuit filed by neighbors. Clark believes the project offers significant public benefits, projecting $40 million in annual revenue for Festus, but critics argue the public was not given a proper chance to decide.
The lawsuit alleges a lack of transparency during the negotiation process between the city and CRG executives. Court documents show CRG executives reportedly briefed Festus council members in groups of three, allegedly to avoid triggering Missouri's open meeting requirements. Clark declined to comment on these specific allegations, stating his company acted appropriately.
Concerns also center on environmental impacts, particularly the project's allowance to tap into the aquifer under Festus. Nearby residents worry about the potential depletion or contamination of their wells. Clark admitted he could not immediately answer these engineering questions but promised to provide an answer. The developer insists the deal is still on, while newly elected officials aim to halt the project, and a judge's final ruling is awaited.