Spanish Fork passes amendment, opens door to Volition data center project
Spanish Fork City Council has passed an amendment to its city code, potentially allowing Volition to develop a large data center in an existing warehouse. The decision follows months of public debate and sets up future approvals for the project, including a site plan and development agreement. Locals remain skeptical despite the developer's plans to create jobs and operate quietly.
The Spanish Fork City Council voted in favor of an amendment to the city code, which is expected to facilitate the development of a data center by Provo-based company Volition. The proposed project involves a million-square-foot warehouse and is estimated to be a $3 billion investment, creating over a thousand trade jobs and approximately 300 operational jobs upon completion within three years.
The decision comes after extensive discussions between city leaders and Volition, as well as significant local opposition. Residents like Teresa Wood and Madi Bringhurst have voiced concerns regarding the potential impact of data centers on their community, advocating for protections against such developments. In response, the city council implemented 'guardrails' within the amendment, including requirements for energy grid isolation, technology restrictions, and caps on resource usage.
Volition CEO Jeff Chavez, who had previously considered withdrawing the proposal, expressed readiness to proceed. The project will now move into engineering and permitting phases, with the city council still needing to approve a site plan and development agreement. Despite these steps, some locals, including Madi Bringhurst, remain skeptical about the project's long-term effects.