The DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) is monitoring the nationwide boom in data center construction.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, DCDC Executive Director Curt Homann told the Hart Media Group he has received at least one inquiry regarding a proposed local data center to the DeWitt County Board. Because data center development carries significant community-wide implications, he believes the issue must be managed and believes the County needs to take up these discussions. 

While community discussions often focus on the negative impacts of data centers—such as heavy water consumption, noise pollution, and the conversion of local farmland— Homann points out the underlying technology is rapidly evolving. 

While the DCDC does not take an official position on data centers, Homann advises the County to engage in proactive planning. His primary operational concern is the potential loss of local zoning control to the State of Illinois. 

The DeWitt County Board at its May meeting shot down a proposal to move forward in planning for data centers through the Zoning Board of Appeals process. The issue is widely rejected by the public.