Franklin County leaders urge Mills to veto data center moratorium

Town and county officials in Maine are appealing to Governor Janet Mills to veto a legislative bill, LD 307, that would enact a temporary statewide moratorium on new data center permits. The proposed ban, which has passed both chambers of the Maine Legislature, is seen by local leaders as a threat to a significant economic development opportunity in Jay, Franklin County. The centerpiece of their concern is a proposed $550 million data center project at the site of the former Androscoggin Mill. Developer Tony McDonald, who plans an 82-megawatt facility, contends the moratorium would effectively kill his project. McDonald, along with Governor Mills, previously sought an exemption for the Jay site, but lawmakers rejected an amendment to create one. In letters to the governor, Franklin County Commissioners Tom Saviello, Tom Skolfield, and Jeff Gilbert, along with Jay Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere, emphasized the project's benefits. They highlighted its integration with existing infrastructure, minimal impact on electricity bills, and significantly lower water consumption compared to the former mill. LaFreniere noted the project's potential for hundreds of jobs and millions in tax revenue. Governor Mills has expressed concerns about the bill's broad scope but has yet to indicate whether she will sign or veto the measure, which awaits her decision by Saturday.