The mission of the  Grant County Economic Development Board Corporation (GCEDC) is to “assist the communities of Grant County in their efforts to promote the growth and retention of business and industry and to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”    

As residents of Grant County, we demand that the GCEDC cease its push for the development of a hyperscale AI Data Center, until it has executed due diligence and provided satisfactory answers to the questions listed below.  

A hyperscale AI Data Center can have a vast impact on the health, natural resources, livelihood, and property values of neighboring residents.  The nature of this project REQUIRES transparency and community input.   We expect this board, and Grant County government, to execute due diligence by asking and sharing answers to the questions below.  

Track Record

1. WHO is behind this project and what is their track record?  Which data center company? Which tech company?  Which Utility?
2. Have you interviewed communities where these organizations have installed similar data centers?  What harms and benefits have they seen?  Have the vendors and utilities lived up to commitments?

Water Impact

1. What is the source and quantity of additional water needed for the project – at BOTH the facility and supporting utility?  How will the integrity and viability of local wells be protected?  Who will enforce this protection?
2. Have you investigated other projects of this size that have relied on well water?  Large water demand from local wells can make personal wells and public wells depleted and unsafe to drink.  It can also impact water pressure.
3. How is liquid waste from this facility handled? How and where is it discharged?  Will it be tested for contaminants?

Energy Infrastructure

1. WHO will pay for the utility buildout?  
2. How will ratepayers be sheltered from the costs? 
3. Data center growth is not being fueled by demand, but rather a competitive race to “win” the AI race.  What safeguards will be in place to protect residents from bearing the cost of a stranded project?

Environmental Impact

1. Are diesel generators intended as backup energy?  If so, how many and what size?  Do these engines have pollution and noise controls?  Who will ensure compliance?
2.  What provisions will be taken to prevent a heat dome effect?   Scientific reports have shown increased temperatures surrounding existing Data Centers, some as much as 16 degrees.
3. Will the county or state require an environmental impact assessment?  If not, why not?
4. What restrictions will the county place on noise, light, and diesel emissions from the data center?  What entity will enforce pollution restrictions?  What penalties will be assessed for violations?

Project Financials

1. An analysis by the Grant County Herald Independent demonstrated that property tax revenue from such a project would have minimal impact on school district funding.  How would any new revenues be earmarked for the communities most impacted?
2. Will the County Board go on record and commit that NO tax increment district or other tax incentive will be given to any data center?
3. If property values plummet and residents leave, as has happened in Virginia and Texas, will the county be in worse shape for revenue than before the data center?
4. Who will oversee that the data center is compliant with regulations and delivers on its “promises”?
5. Are there financial incentives for the GCEDC to secure this project?  Are there any other conflicts of interest at the county or GCEDC level?

We are residents, property owners, tax payers, and voters.  We have every right to ask questions, and you have a duty to seek answers.