La Porte holds public hearing on data center land annexation

The La Porte Common Council recently hosted a public hearing concerning the proposed annexation of approximately 1,000 acres of land, intended to expand a Microsoft data center in La Porte, Indiana. The majority of attendees and local officials, including Mayor Tom Dermody, expressed strong support for the annexation, citing a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for economic growth and job creation. Conversely, several residents voiced significant opposition, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts, public health risks, and the loss of agricultural land. Microsoft plans a $1 billion investment in the La Porte data center, anticipated to create up to 200 new jobs by 2032. Mike Stockwell, Microsoft's land development and permitting program manager, stated that early land development work, including tree clearing, has begun, with vertical construction slated for the fall. The annexation could add 11 buildings to the initial six planned structures. Microsoft is also collaborating with city staff on a traffic study and plans for water and wastewater expansion. Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, addressed resident concerns, explaining that the data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system, requiring no operational water. He also assured that residential electric bills would not increase, as the facility would use NIPSCO's GenCo model for power. Additionally, the La Porte Community School Corporation Superintendent, Sandra Wood, supported the annexation, highlighting the project's potential to reverse a 20-year pattern of decline for the district and secure long-term success. Despite reassurances, residents like James Baum, Gautama Logwood, and Alicia Firanek remained opposed, citing worries about air pollution, impact on children's health, lack of specific information, and the detrimental effect on prime agricultural land. Microsoft has scheduled another public meeting for April 21st to provide more information. The La Porte Common Council is expected to vote on the annexation at a subsequent meeting.