New 18,500-Square-Foot Data Center Proposed in Central City

Data centers are getting a lot of attention right now, and for good reason. While they can certainly provide benefits to the communities that they're being built in, they also raise questions surrounding energy, water, and carbon footprint. While some cities are shying away from the projects, leaders in another Linn County city are in favor of a new project.

Central City Leaders Support New Data Center

KCRG reports that city leaders in Central City support a new data center. But residents of the Linn County city still have questions. The proposed facility in Central City would be around 18,500 square feet, much smaller than other centers being built near cities like Cedar Rapids, according to KCRG. The city is working on a new ordinance using one recently adopted by the city of Palo as a model.

Tax Benefits For Central City

Central City mayor Don Gray said that the project will bring significant tax revenue to the city, according to KCRG. City officials say the project could generate $19 million in tax revenue, with half of that going to Central City. Gray stated that money will be used to keep property taxes in the area low.

What Concerns Do Citizens Have?

KCRG reports that some residents of Central City still have questions about the center's impact on water, electricity, and noise. Some of those questions will no doubt be addressed at a forum tonight in Central City, hosted by the company looking to build the data center, Auram Capital Ventures.