In Wisconsin Rapids, Data Center Objections Include Russian Connections

A proposed data center development in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is encountering strong community opposition, stemming from both typical environmental concerns and apprehension regarding the developers' origins. Residents, led by groups like South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development member Marissa Johnson, are worried about the project's potential impact on water scarcity, electricity rates, and air and noise pollution.

Adding to these concerns are the Russian backgrounds of the developers. Ruslan Zinurov, who initially proposed the data center, was born in Russia and previously founded Performance Computing Holdings, which operates data centers in other states. Anton Voronkin, who has since taken over as the public face of the project for New York-based PNK Group, was also born and educated in Russia. Critics, including local attorney Mike Schmidt, have voiced distrust over Voronkin's past work on Saudi Arabia's Neom project and alleged corruption charges against PNK owner Andrey Sharkov, though some of these allegations have been dismissed or denied.

The project, which plans to convert a 210-acre former paper mill site into a data center campus, is currently awaiting a decision on a conditional use permit. The city of Wisconsin Rapids planning commission is scheduled to hold a hearing on September 16 to make a recommendation to the city council, though Mayor Matt Zacher indicated the city is waiting for more detailed information from the developers. City officials, while acknowledging the opposition, aim to evaluate business proposals based on merit.