Data Center Development Updates

The Ames City Council continues to explore a proposal from technology company LIghtedge expressing interest in leasing City property for the construction of a co-location data center in Ames. At the same time, the proposal has encouraged the City Council to consider a broader analysis of policy for new development interested in Ames and the impact of that development on utilities, the environment, and quality of life concerns.

Lightedge Proposal

The proposed facility would be built out in phases based upon demand. The site being considered is 10.86 acres on Aviation Way, directly west of the property occupied by the Sigler Companies.

The Airport Master Plan identifies that this area could be used for non-aeronautical uses.

The first phase of the project would result in 3 MW of electrical demand. The second phase would follow shortly and use 6 MW. Ultimate buildout would demand 25 MW. The time estimate of the full buildout is 10 years.

Project History:

• Sept. 22 - City Council Meeting: Council appointed Data Center Study Committee Members. 
  • The Memo from the meeting is linked here.(PDF, 48KB)

• Aug. 25 - City Council Meeting: Council approved the Data Center Study Committee Plan.
  • The Staff Report from the meeting is linked here.
  • The recording the Aug. 25 meeting is linked here.

• Aug. 11 - City Council Meeting: Council Members discussed establishing a Data Center Study Committee.
  • The memo from the meeting is linked here.
  • The recording of the Aug. 11 City Council meeting is linked here.

• July 28 - City Council Meeting: Staff presented a report regarding a temporary delay in allowing data center developments.  
  • The Staff Report from the meeting is linked here.(PDF, 63KB)
  • The recording of the July 28 Ames City Council meeting is linked here.
• July 14 - City Council Meeting: Staff presented a memo outlining the legal means that the City Council has available to limit the construction of data centers. The memo contained options that relate to zoning, noise, and utility service.   
  • The Staff Report from the meeting is linked here.(PDF, 66KB)
  • The recording of the July 14 Ames City Council meeting is linked here.

• June 30 - Special City Council “Listening Session”: Residents had an opportunity to provide input and share comments regarding the proposal through small group interactions with City Council and City Staff.

• June 23 - City Council Meeting: Staff provided a general overview of the request. The City Council did not make any decisions and did not take public comment during this meeting.
  • The Council Packet item is linked here.
  • The recording for the June 23 Ames City Council meeting is linked here.

• June 16 - A Staff Report was presented during Disposition of Communications to Council to highlight a proposal from Lightedge. City Council voted to place a Staff Report on the agenda for June 23 and a special resident listening session for June 30. 
  • A staff report describing the project in more detail is linked here.