U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks community input on proposed Google data center
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comments on a proposed billion-dollar Google data center in southeast Little Rock, Arkansas. The project, planned for a wetland area, requires significant power, comparable to powering all homes in Little Rock, and is raising environmental concerns among residents and a state representative. The public comment period closes May 1st.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is soliciting public comments regarding Google's proposal for a billion-dollar AI data center in a rural, wetlands-rich area of southeast Little Rock, Arkansas. The Corps is evaluating the application due to the presence of wetlands, and the filing indicates the facility will require a substantial 100 megawatts of power, equivalent to the electricity consumption of all Little Rock households.
Jay Townsend from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated their role is to assess all factors, including environmental and cultural impacts, aiming to facilitate approval while ensuring proper compensation and mitigation for the land. Jay Cheshire, CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential for new tax revenue, jobs, and further economic attraction.
However, not all stakeholders support the development. A state representative for the area has voiced concerns about the environmental impacts of the proposed data center. The public comment period for Google's application closes on May 1st, allowing community input on the project.