The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors will hire a consultant to explore a ban on data centers. KCRG reports that the board agreed to write a letter to the county attorney to hire a consultant to explore a ban on data centers, even as the county simultaneously develops a data center ordinance. The decision followed presentations from Dubuque Regional Airport Director Todd Dalsing and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation President and CEO Jason White. Dalsing says a data center built near the airport could impact aviation. Dalsing indicated data centers’ heat plumes, vapors and cooling ponds near the airport could cause turbulence, low visibility and icing. White presented an economic impact analysis from Arkansas-based consultant Boyette Strategic Advisors, showing a data center could generate a local economic impact of around $6 billion dollars and more than $200 million in state and local taxes. The project could also add 1,000 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions. Despite the projected economic benefits, the board moved toward exploring a ban.
