Pine Island settles Project Skyway lawsuit, clears way for state data center review
Pine Island officials approved a settlement ending litigation over the proposed Project Skyway data center. The settlement requires a new state environmental review covering water, noise, light, energy and grid impacts, and construction cannot begin until the city approves a mitigation plan.
Pine Island leaders approved a settlement that resolves litigation surrounding Ryan Companies’ proposed Project Skyway data center and opens the way for a new state environmental review. Minnesota state agencies will examine the project’s potential effects on water, noise, light, energy and the electric grid, while a mitigation plan will be developed. The process includes 90 days of public comment split between state and city review.
The project’s prior city approvals remain valid, but construction is prohibited until Pine Island approves the mitigation plan. Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy CEO Kathryn Hoffman said the review could lead the city to approve, modify or reject the project, while Ryan Companies Senior Vice President of Development Peter Fitzgerald said the developer supports state-level scrutiny and plans an air-cooled facility with no constant water use and significant clean-energy investment.