The company backing a data center that’s received local pushback in McPherson County is offering a proposal to improve emergency services in the area.
The 50-megawatt data center is proposed in Leola. As a result, the McPherson County Commission is in the process of establishing a zoning ordinance for such a project.
The ordinance had its first reading earlier this month. It would enact a one-mile setback to any church, school or residence from the perimeter of the facility.
In that meeting, residents raised concerns over noise and water, as well as broader worries like AI abuse.
But McPherson County Commissioner Mark Opp said the data center could provide solutions to issues the area is facing.
“As we all know in a smaller community, whether it be your ambulance or your fire department, we’re always struggling for funds and have to have fundraisers and different things that have to count on the local citizens and taxpayers,” Opp said.
He said after seeing local opposition, many weren’t sure the project would be able to happen.
Now, with the Leola Data Center offering to pay $150,000 annually to local emergency services, Opp said the project has some momentum.
"And this has certainly helped make some decisions whether we want to move forward with this project or not. Of course, you know, in every community you’re going to have people that are dead against it, or okay or don’t really care. But this has helped, and helped as far as moving forward with the project,” Opp said.
Though, Opp said not everyone is buying it. He adds the project needs to be fully examined either way.
“On the side of the people that are involved with the emergency services, I think we’ve seen more of an open mind. On the other side, probably not," Opp said. "But we as commissioners or in any group you view as leaders, you’re representing the whole county. And you have to do what’s best financially for everyone."
The ordinance's second reading is July 1.
