GCDC Executive Director Thankful for County Supervisor’s Forward Thinking with Data Center Ordinance
Simple Mining is moving forward with plans for a bitcoin data center in Greene County, Iowa, and is in the process of finalizing its permit application. Greene County had proactively passed an ordinance earlier this year to set standards and protections for data centers, including noise reduction and water usage caps. The project, estimated at $12 million, will be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment once the application is submitted.
Greene County Development Corporation Executive Director Greg Piklapp provided an update on Simple Mining's plans to establish a bitcoin/cryptocurrency data center in Greene County, Iowa. The company is finalizing its proposal for a standalone structure on a 15-acre site south of Jefferson and Scranton.
Piklapp highlighted the county's foresight in passing a data center ordinance earlier this year, which established crucial perimeters and protections for residents. These regulations include requirements for setbacks, capped noise reduction levels, and restricted water usage, ensuring responsible development. He clarified that Simple Mining's project, estimated at around $12 million, is significantly smaller in scale compared to major corporate data centers operated by companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google.
While Simple Mining has not yet submitted its permit application, Piklapp noted that the Board of Adjustment would review the request once it is filed, preceding any construction. The initial proposal outlined an investment of $12 million and the creation of eight to ten jobs with an average starting wage of $20 per hour, though these figures may be updated upon formal application.