Hundreds of Ames residents attended a listening session to discuss plans for a new data center. The facility, proposed by Des Moines-based Lightedge Solutions, would be built west of the airport and take 10 years to complete.
Concerns and Promises
Most concerns during the meeting centered on how the city can guarantee Lightedge is held to its word. The company has promised the data center will not be used for AI, will fund necessary infrastructure improvements, and will not consume a lot of water.
Over 3,000 people have signed a petition against the project, citing the need for the city to create guidance for data centers before moving forward. Councilmembers are expected to revisit the issue at their next meeting on July 14.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
