Despite strong opposition from a number of area residents, the Hermantown City Council last week unanimously approved plans for the Google-proposed, 500-megawatt data center, several local and regional news outlets reported.
After four hours of public comment, and about an hour of discussion, including conversations with representatives from Google and Minnesota Power, the council unanimously passed six resolutions regarding the data center, including an agreement for Google to decommission its data center if it is no longer using it, and a special-use permit for the site, according to reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune and WDIO-TV.
While the data center was met with vocal opposition, legal action and still unsettled lawsuits from residents and organizations, the area business community and local labor groups are largely in favor of the center, including, among others, the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce; the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce; APEX, a regional private-sector funded economic development organization; and the Duluth Building Trades Council.
The data center is “an important step forward for jobs, economic growth and community investment across the region,” according to a press release from the Hermantown chamber, which quoted both chamber and labor representatives.
“We want to thank the City Council for its thoughtful consideration and for having the courage to make this important decision,” said Jack Carlson, president of the Duluth Building Trades Council. “This project creates opportunities for skilled workers, local businesses and families throughout our region. Now it’s time to get to work and begin realizing those benefits.”
“This is an exciting moment for Hermantown and our region,” said Kim Parmeter, president and CEO of the Hermantown chamber. “The project before the City Council today is stronger because of the input provided by residents, community leaders and state agencies throughout the process. We believe this investment will create meaningful opportunities for our workforce, businesses, schools and community for generations to come. We also recognize that projects of this scale bring real concerns, particularly for nearby neighbors. Those concerns deserve continued respect and attention as the project moves forward. While no major investment comes without trade-offs, we believe the long-term benefits for our community and region make this an opportunity worth embracing.”
