Jay town officials say developers may be backing out of plans for massive data center
A proposed $550 million data center project at the former Androscoggin Paper Mill in Jay, Maine, is facing a setback as developer Sentinel may be withdrawing. This follows a political dispute and a governor's veto concerning a statewide data center moratorium. Town officials are now seeking other interested developers for the site.
The $550 million plan to convert the old Androscoggin Paper Mill in Jay, Maine, into a massive data center appears to have suffered a significant setback. According to Jay Town Manager Sheila Lafreniere, developer Sentinel has informed the local developer of their intent not to proceed with the project at this time. The news quickly spread in Jay, disappointing residents like Barbara Hahn and Bobby Tibbetts, who had hoped the data center would bring much-needed jobs to the area after the mill's closure.
The project has been at the center of a political debate, including a governor's veto this spring in Augusta. Governor Janet Mills had vetoed legislation for a statewide data center moratorium, though a spokesperson for the governor stated that she supports a temporary moratorium on data center projects and would have signed the bill if it had exempted the Jay project. Governor Mills expressed disappointment that the project is on hold, citing its potential for jobs and tax benefits, but remains confident that her newly created Maine Data Center Advisory Council will help balance the benefits of data centers with potential risks and environmental impacts.
With Sentinel's involvement on hold, GT two, the owner of the mill property and redeveloper, is reportedly in discussions with other interested parties for the site.