Excavation work has been ongoing at the site in Cedar Rapids where a $576 million Google data center is proposed. Heaviside LLC, the developer behind the project, recently closed on the land, and grading has begun. While officials did not confirm the construction of the data center, progress is being made. The city’s development agreement with Heaviside calls for the construction of one or more data centers in the area.
The land for the data center is part of the Big Cedar Industrial Center, Iowa’s first megasite. Alliant Energy owns the site, which is currently being developed by Heaviside. The project would create jobs and offer economic development opportunities for the city. The Iowa Economic Development Authority has approved tax breaks for the project.
In addition to the data center, the city of Cedar Rapids is expanding its water network to support potential development in the area. The project is being funded by Alliant Energy and the city, with a total cost lower than the initial estimate. The expansion will serve the entire development at Big Cedar Industrial Center.
Residents have raised concerns about the water and electricity usage of a data center, as well as the impact on rates and water supply during droughts. City officials have assured residents that there is enough water supply to support the project and are planning ahead for future needs. The city council has awarded the construction contract for the water main to an Anamosa-based company.
Overall, the development of the data center and the expansion of the water network in Cedar Rapids are significant projects that could bring economic growth to the city. While progress is being made, officials are still evaluating the potential impact of the data center and are working to address any concerns raised by residents.
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https://www.thegazette.com/local-government/developer-closes-on-land-for-googles-proposed-data-center-in-cedar-rapids-for-16-6-million/