Hermantown council approves consultant funding for tribal talks on data center project
The Hermantown City Council has approved $20,000 for a consultant to facilitate discussions with tribal governments regarding a proposed data center project. The council meeting was contentious, marked by protests, shouting, and a brief recess due to public comments from both project opponents and supporters. The consultant will help guide the environmental research and permitting process.
Northern News Now's Maggie Franzen reported on a heated Hermantown City Council meeting where council members unanimously approved funding of no more than $20,000 for a consultant. This consultant will guide discussions with tribal governments throughout the data center's environmental research and permitting process, serving as a middleman for "government-to-government consultation." Braun representatives outlined that Hermantown city officials would be present for all discussions, identifying and reaching out to interested tribal governments for listening sessions.
The meeting saw significant public engagement, including protests and numerous public comments from both sides of the data center debate, leading to a brief recess due to shouting. Opponents expressed disappointment that the project's planned environmental review, known as an AUAR (Alternative Urban Areawide Review), was not on the agenda for discussion. Proponents, including the 'Yes, MN' group, voiced support for the project, emphasizing the importance of a diverse economy for long-term stability and prosperity in the region.