Community members gather in Salix to protest data centers
More than a hundred residents gathered in Salix, Iowa, to protest a proposed data center development, following a city council decision to annex 950 acres of land. Residents raised concerns about noise, vibrations, and potential impacts on water sources for local tribal nations. Local officials stated that while land has been annexed, no rezoning requests for a data center have been submitted.
More than 100 community members assembled at Salix Community Park on Monday evening to protest a proposed data center development in Salix, Iowa. The protest follows the Salix City Council's approval in April to annex approximately 950 acres of land, a move confirmed by a MidAmerican representative as related to a data center project.
Attendees from the tri-state area included Iowa State Senator Kevin Alons, former congressman Steve King, and Woodbury County Supervisor Dan Bittinger, though no Salix city council members were present. Supervisor Bittinger announced an upcoming informational meeting by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors to address public concerns. Residents like Janet Yanak voiced worries about noise, vibrations, and potential health impacts, noting the proposed site is across from her home. Tribal members, including Charles White Eagle Parker of the Omaha Tribe, also attended, advocating for indigenous involvement in discussions due to concerns about water source impacts on the Winnebago and Omaha Tribal Nations. Salix Mayor Kevin Nelson has stated that despite the land annexation, no rezoning requests for the data center have been officially submitted to the city council.