Rochester Chamber Backs Planned Pine Island Data Center

Pine Island, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is throwing its support behind the planned data center in Pine Island.

Rochester Chamber Announces Support for Project Skyway

The statement issued by the business organization today says Project Skyway "represents a significant opportunity for Pine Island and the surrounding region through new investment, job growth, infrastructure, education, tax base growth, and continued economic development."

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Google Data Center Planned for Pine Island

Ryan Companies plans to develop a 482-acre site in Pine Island with a new Google data center announced as the first tenant. The news release indicates the Google facility will occupy nearly 90 acres on the property.

Chamber Highlights Potential Economic Benefits

In publicly expressing its support for Project Skyway, the chamber says it "is expected to generate more than 700 skilled trades jobs, and create around 100 permanent positions, which would make Google the 2nd largest private employer in Pine Island." The news release also lists "significant investments" that would benefit Pine Island, including $130 million in city property tax revenue in the first 28 years of its operations and more than $24 million to support Pine Island Public Schools.

Project Faces Opposition and Legal Fight

The data center project has sparked strong opposition from some Pine Island-area residents, who have been vocal in protesting the proposal at Pine Island City Council and other meetings. The development is currently on hold due to legal challenges.