Microsoft Announces Proposed Data Center Campus in Woodward, Iowa
Microsoft has purchased about 600 acres in Woodward’s Eco Business Park for a proposed data center campus. The project still requires approval of a development agreement and site plan, while the columnist criticizes the city for excluding non-Woodward residents from an informational meeting about regional impacts such as water, electricity, traffic and noise.
Microsoft officials and Woodward Mayor Todd Folkerts announced that the company had closed on the purchase of roughly 600 acres on the south side of Woodward for a data center campus. Folkerts said the Woodward City Council must approve a development agreement and site plan before construction can proceed. Microsoft representatives said the facility would use closed-loop cooling to limit demands on the city’s water supply and would purchase electricity from a wholesaler to avoid affecting residential rates.
The article criticizes Woodward for requiring photo identification or proof of a Woodward address before allowing people into the meeting, excluding nearby residents and a Dallas County resident interested in the project. It argues that neighboring communities should be involved because the development could affect regional water resources, power infrastructure, farm fields, county roads, stormwater, traffic, lighting and noise. The columnist urges Woodward to discuss the project at properly noticed public meetings and invite Dallas County, the school district and nearby townships to participate.