Column: Data centers can be built the right way in Iowa
This column advocates for Iowa to manage data center development wisely, using local examples like Linn County's ordinance. It highlights community concerns around energy, land, and water, alongside economic benefits. The author, Swati Dandekar, expresses surprise at Linn County's moratorium after establishing clear development standards.
Swati Dandekar, chairman of Bright Future Iowa and former state utility regulator and legislator, argues that Iowa can lead in data center development by establishing clear rules and protecting communities. She emphasizes that data centers are essential infrastructure, creating jobs, strengthening the tax base, and offering community contributions, citing Google's investment in Council Bluffs for citywide Wi-Fi.
Dandekar acknowledges public concerns regarding energy, land use, water, sound, light, and traffic impacts. She suggests that good policy and local leadership can address these issues, pointing to Linn County’s ordinance as an example. This ordinance includes provisions for independent water studies, setbacks, taxpayer protections, public participation, and developer-funded community benefit investments.
Despite the comprehensive ordinance, Dandekar expresses surprise at Linn County’s decision to adopt a moratorium, stating that further delays create uncertainty without improving public protections. She concludes that Iowa should embrace innovation while ensuring it serves the public good, drawing parallels to the state's success in agriculture and renewable energy. The article also notes that Cedar Rapids has no active data center applications, though Google has informally expressed interest there.