Festus data center plans move forward after emotional city council vote

After months of debate, the Festus City Council in Jefferson County, Missouri, approved plans to bring a data center to the city. The vote, which was 6-2, followed an emotional meeting at Festus High School where both advocates and protestors made their voices heard. Rosiland Daniels, a resident living close to the proposed site near Highway 67 and Route CC, expressed strong opposition, stating, "We do not want the data center to come here." Her home is part of a voluntary buyout program established by the developer, C.R.G. Supporters, such as Austin Jackson, highlighted the economic benefits, including over $500 million for schools and $1.3 billion in taxes, as well as job creation, arguing it would prevent Festus from being "left behind because of lack of progress." The initial investment for the project is expected to be at least $6 billion in construction and property. Mayor Sam Richards noted that the council's decision is not the final word, as no formal plans have yet been submitted to the city. Once submitted, there will be at least two more public hearings before the project can fully proceed.