Transport of data center transformers through Porter County raises alarms
The Porter County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement and $6.5 million bond with G&L Corp. for transporting 350 tons of transformers to a data center in Hobart. Residents and a business owner opposed the proposed route, citing poor road conditions, drainage concerns and potential damage to fiber-optic infrastructure, while the required transport permit remains pending.
The Porter County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with G&L Corp. that protects the county against road and infrastructure damage during the proposed transport of 350 tons of transformers to a data center in Hobart. The agreement includes a $6.5 million bond, while a separate hauling permit has not yet been requested and cannot be issued until the agreement is in place.
The proposed route runs from NIPSCO yards through Montdale Park Drive, County Road 325 E, Division Road, Smoke Road, U.S. 30 and Joliet Road to the Lake County line. Residents, including Jim Smith and Joseph Larson, criticized the narrow and deteriorated roads and raised concerns about culverts, drainage and a nearby fiber-optic cable. County officials, including Highway Engineer Martin Bobcek and Planning and Storm Water Management Executive Director Mike Jabo, said the route would be inspected before and after the haul and that G&L would be responsible for repairs.