Wayne County Mayor-Elect John McDonald Discusses Potential Data Center

The Office of Wayne County Executive John McDonald has released a statement regarding a proposed data center that has recently been discussed in the community.

According to the statement, no data center project has been approved, and no final site has been confirmed.

A property near Pumping Station Road was reportedly considered as a potential location but has since been ruled out due to wet or swampy conditions.

Representatives of Crystal Peaks Data Centers and the law firm Holland & Knight recently met with Mr. McDonald to discuss a preliminary concept for a potential facility in Wayne County.

Information presented during the preliminary discussions indicated the proposed facility could be approximately 500,000 square feet and represent more than $1 billion in potential investment in Wayne County. The project was also described as potentially creating approximately 88 jobs, with reported salaries ranging from $80,000 to $85,000 annually.

The company reportedly estimates the project could generate approximately $8.9 million in county revenue during its first year.

According to the information presented, the facility would use a closed-loop cooling system. Cooling water would be brought to the site, circulated through the system and then removed for filtration and reuse. Representatives also said the facility's electricity would be generated on-site using natural gas, with the facility tapping into an existing gas pipeline. The availability and location of the pipeline would therefore be an important consideration in determining a potential site.

While the preliminary information has generated discussion throughout the community, McDonald emphasized that many questions remain unanswered and nothing has been finalized.

Mr. McDonald said his current position is based on gathering additional information before taking a position on the proposal. “I am neither for nor against this proposal at this time. My priority is to gather the facts, ask hard questions, and make sure the people of Wayne County have the information they deserve before any decision is made.”

McDonald said the process remains in the preliminary stages, and no decision has been made regarding whether a data center will ultimately be developed in Wayne County.

As discussions continue, questions regarding the facility's potential location, infrastructure requirements, water usage, power generation, environmental impact, noise and economic benefits will need to be addressed before the project can move forward.

For now, officials stress that the proposed data center remains just that – a proposal, with no project approved and no final site confirmed.

The News will continue to follow the developing proposal and provide updates as more information becomes available.