Woodbury Supervisors to Consider Data Center Moratorium
Woodbury County Supervisors are considering a one-year moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas to allow time for drafting regulations. This discussion follows Salix's annexation of farmland, which MidAmerican Energy is considering for a data center. Residents have expressed concerns about the project and lack of notification.
Woodbury County Supervisors are contemplating a one-year moratorium on data center developments within unincorporated areas of the county. The move aims to allow time for drafting comprehensive regulations for such facilities. This discussion follows the town of Salix's voluntary annexation of 900 acres of farmland in April, a site that MidAmerican Energy recently confirmed is under consideration for a data center project.
At a recent supervisors' meeting, numerous residents voiced concerns, with some urging the board to enact the moratorium despite the county's lack of direct jurisdiction over the potential Salix project. Other residents cited a lack of notification regarding the annexation. Supervisor Mark Nelson acknowledged the residents' concerns.
The Supervisors intend to place the moratorium on the agenda for their next meeting and will consult the County Attorney to verify Salix leaders' adherence to state law during the annexation process. For the project to proceed, Salix would still need to rezone the annexed property.