Construction preparations underway for Port Washington data center amid pushback

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- As work is underway for the incoming Port Washington data center, residents continue to show up and speak out against the center, urging the city's Common Council to pull the plug on it.

The Port Washington Common Council continues to stand by their decision to approve the project, saying it will have a positive impact on the city's economy.

Construction is currently underway to prepare the site for the center that’s daily estimated water use is expected to be 20,000 gallons.

The council says the data center development meets the standards of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and is estimated to bring in around 4,000 jobs.

"The WDNR gave their approval for Vantage to move forward, recognizing our environmentally sound approach and takes in the local ecosystem and uses minimal water," said Tracye Herrington with Vantage. "This compliance determination in an industry known for high water consumption and negative environmental impact is a major achievement.”

Residents say they are frustrated, adding that they don’t feel heard despite continuing to show up and say no to the data center.

They say they are worried about the long-term consequences on the environment, their health and for the powerlines that are proposed to be built to power the data center.

"Hearing is not the same as listening; listening is not the same as acting," said Tracy Finch, a Port Washington resident. "You have shown again and again you do not care about those who oppose the Vantage data center.”

Tuesday night, the council also reviewed a direct legislation petition. The proposed ordinance would require any Tax Incremental District (TID) requiring large capital expenditures to be first submitted to the electors through a referendum prior to Common Council being able to create a TID.

The Common Council voted to submit that proposed ordinance to the electors and place it on the ballot for this spring's general election.

The council said it's important for people to note that proposed ordinance will not impact any current TIDs already created by the council related to the data center. Those will remain in place.