Morris mayor speaks to data center benefits

Morris Mayor Chris Brown spoke to WCSJ News about the potential benefits of a proposed data center project in the area of Route 6 and Gun Club Road. While specific financial details remain confidential, Mayor Brown indicated that the economic impact could be comparable to that of a new nuclear plant, providing substantial long-term benefits to the community and helping to lower property taxes. Addressing potential concerns regarding infrastructure, Brown noted that the expansion of the sewage treatment plant and construction of a new water plant were already planned before the data center proposal emerged. He clarified that any water used by the data center would be recycled through the expanded sewer system. Brown also assured residents that the local aquifer is in good condition, citing studies by the State of Illinois and the University of Illinois, and that the city utilizes deep 1,500-foot wells. The Mayor emphasized that the project is still in its early stages, requiring multiple approvals before it can be finalized. He could not provide a definite timeline for the development.