Residents press questions over GreenSparc data center as commission recommends lease

The Wrangell Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Borough Assembly approve a lease for GreenSparc to develop a data center on Lot 6B at the Six‑Mile Deep Water Port, but not before a public hearing that highlighted questions about electricity capacity, water consumption and local impacts.

The commission’s recommendation passed by a 3–2 polled vote: Commissioners Jillian Privett, Apryl Hutchinson and Chair Terri Henson voted in favor; Commissioners Gary Watkins and Kat St. Clair voted no. Commissioner St. Clair had moved to table the item, but no second was made and the body proceeded to a polled vote on the original motion.

Why it matters: Residents and commissioners pressed staff and the company for specifics about how a large, continuous 24/7 electrical load would affect the community and whether the Borough’s existing utility infrastructure could absorb the demand without raising costs for local ratepayers.

During the public hearing, Joan Sargent, a community member, urged more public engagement and asked for clearer explanation of why Six‑Mile was selected. She cited reporting that the local hydropower system at Six‑Mile was at capacity and noted that planned turbine construction linked to grant funding might not be completed until December 2027. Sargent also raised concerns about water use, noise and emissions, and asked the City to consider alternative sites and additional Q&A sessions before committing to a lease.

Jim Freeman, another resident, expressed conditional support for development but asked the commission to proceed cautiously and to require additional studies that demonstrate Wrangell’s suitability for the project.

Sam Enoka, representing GreenSparc on Zoom, described the company as an operator of adaptable data facilities that has worked in Alaska previously (30‑day deployment in Anchorage in 2023 and work in Cordova in 2024). Enoka said GreenSparc seeks to be transparent about energy demands and site selection and “does not request special treatment,” adding the company aims to be responsive to community needs and to coordinate with utility managers on siting decisions.

Staff told the commission the project’s cooling system is expected to use about "48,000 gallons" of water (staff characterization) and that the Borough could receive roughly $800,000 annually in electricity revenue to its electric reserve fund under the lease terms as proposed. Staff also said any lease would require full compliance with state and federal regulations governing emissions and related matters.

Commissioner Gary Watkins pressed GreenSparc on continuous power draw and noted prior instances when the Borough had required community conservation during diesel generation periods; he said planners should ensure the project would not compromise energy availability for existing ratepayers. Commissioner Jillian Privett expressed general support but urged additional public workshops and consideration of alternative sites that might better balance economic benefit with waterfront uses.

The commission’s recommendation does not itself grant a lease; it sends the proposal to the Borough Assembly for final action. Staff said they will prepare additional educational materials, an economic and utility impact assessment, and a fact sheet to share with the public as conversations continue.

The Port Commission had previously tabled the item pending more information; during this meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission opted to forward its recommendation to the Assembly while noting outstanding questions and the community’s request for more engagement.