New FAQ on the proposed data center in Menomonie

Proposed Data Center Project – Frequently Asked Questions August 25, 2025 

Since the discussion of the proposed data center project at the Common Council meeting in early July, the City has received many thoughtful questions and feedback from community members. To help address these concerns, we have grouped the most common questions and are sharing responses in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. 

These FAQs are available on the City’s website and will continue to be updated as the project moves forward. More specific questions are being answered individually by staff as they are received. You can view the FAQs on our website at www.menomonie-wi.gov and receive updates on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofMenomonie/. 

If you have additional questions, please email our staff at [email protected] While this process is still in its early stages, we are committed to providing timely and transparent responses. 

Q: What is the scale of the company’s investment in Menomonie? 

The company plans to invest approximately $1.6 billion to build the data center.

Q: What is the impact of this investment? 

   • It could improve the City’s credit rating, currently in the bottom third in Wisconsin. 

   • An improved credit rating means lower interest rates, resulting in lower costs for the taxpayer. 

   • Future tax revenue growth may help reduce individual property taxes or provide funds for improved services and amenities. 

Q: What is the expected assessed value of the development? 

   • Phase I: $28 million - $90 million 

   • Phase II: $22 million - $73 million 

   • Totals: $50 million - $163 million 

Q: Why is there a range of assessed values? 

   Assessors use comparable developments to estimate the range. Exact values require examining the finished development. 

Q: How many jobs will be created?

   • Construction phase: 

      o Up to 1000 daily workers (4-7 years), including contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, etc. 

   • Development completed: 

      o Approximately 50-75 full-time employees (high-paying, six-figure jobs). 

      o Approximately 200-300 contract employees (security, landscaping, skilled labor). Both groups would contribute to the local economy by living, shopping, dining, and raising families in the area. 

Q: How will the potential data center impact local schools and universities? 

Employees may enroll their children in the School District of Menomonie Area and pursue higher education at UW-Stout and the Chippewa Valley Technical College. Collaborate with educational institutions to enhance STEM programs. 

Q: How much water will the potential data center use? 

   • Utilize approximately 75,000 gallons of water per day. 

   • The data center would be the fifth-highest user. 

      o Cardinal FG #1: Approx. 144,285 gallons per day. 

      o 3M #2: Approx. 121,579 gallons per day. 

      o ConAgra #3: Approx. 118,712 gallons per day. 

      o UW-Stout #4: Approx. 103,415 gallons per day. 

   • The City’s waste treatment plant will process the wastewater from the center. 

Q: Why does the potential data center need so much land? 

The 320-acre site includes buffer zones to reduce the impact of noise on adjacent properties and rights-of-way.