Town of Beloit board to consider cost sharing agreement with data center developer
The Town of Beloit Board of Supervisors is considering a cost reimbursement agreement with Panattoni Development Co. for a proposed $1 billion data center campus in Rock County, Wisconsin. This agreement, which has already been approved by the Town of Turtle board, would cover the town's expenses for expert services. The meeting is expected to draw significant community opposition due to concerns about data center energy and water usage.
The Town of Beloit Board of Supervisors is set to consider a cost reimbursement agreement with Panattoni Development Co., a California-based developer, for a proposed $1 billion data center campus in Rock County, Wisconsin. This agreement, which outlines how the business would pay back the municipality for expenses incurred on its behalf, is similar to one recently approved by a 3-2 vote by the Town of Turtle Board of Supervisors.
Under the proposed terms, Panattoni would provide the Town of Beloit an initial $250,000 to retain specialized experts. The agreement itself does not commit the town to approving the data center project. This marks the first time a data center issue will be on the Town of Beloit's agenda, providing an opportunity for data center opponents to voice their concerns. Meetings discussing this proposal have previously drawn full houses due to community opposition, especially regarding hyperscale data centers' energy and water usage.
Panattoni Development Co. confirmed in mid-May that it is exploring over 600 acres in the towns of Beloit and Turtle for the potential data center campus. The company initiated public "community conversation" events in June to present information and answer questions from residents.