Northwest Iowa town votes against a data center moratorium
The Salix City Council in northwest Iowa voted 3-2 against a proposed one-year moratorium on data centers, despite significant community opposition. The decision comes as Google considers building a data center on annexed farmland, a project initiated by MidAmerican Energy. The move sparked frustration and continues a broader debate about the potential development's impacts, with Woodbury County also challenging the annexation in court.
The Salix City Council in northwest Iowa recently voted 3-2 to reject a proposed one-year moratorium on data center development, a decision that sparked heated debate and frustration among community members. The vote followed months of discussion concerning a potential Google data center project on 900 acres of farmland annexed by the city in April, a project initially spearheaded by MidAmerican Energy. Mayor Kevin Nelson intervened as tensions rose after the vote, although no arrests were made.
Council member Gene Monk, who supported the moratorium, advocated for a "cool-down period" to research potential impacts and allow for more informed decision-making, including a possible public vote. However, council member Denise Burkhart, who initially supported the proposal, opposed it on Thursday, stating the need for more information from Google before making a final determination. Google representative Trent Fellers also urged the council to allow conversations to continue to address community needs and build trust, acknowledging the divisions.
The decision was made amid significant local opposition, including calls for a temporary ban from residents concerned about the pace of development and lack of information. Mary Herbst of the Salix Guardian Alliance urged leaders to engage with citizens. Opposition also extends to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which passed a resolution against hyperscale data centers near their reservation, citing potential impacts. Conversely, some, like business owner Dolf Ivener, highlighted the economic benefits, including jobs and an expanded tax base.
Even without the moratorium, several steps remain for the project, including rezoning the land for data center development. Furthermore, Woodbury County is challenging Salix’s annexation in court, alleging improper notification and inclusion of non-bordering property. The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors had previously passed its own moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas in June, reflecting broader regional concerns.