Maquoketa hears data center proposal for Highway 61 industrial district

City Manager Josh Boldt briefed the Maquoketa City Council on a potential small-to-mid-size data center proposed for the Highway 61 Industrial District during the July 6 meeting.

Boldt described the project’s expected utility demands and site considerations and said the proposal would include protections the developer would provide. He told the council the project’s estimated water usage would be 50,000 gallons per day and that the city’s water system can accommodate an additional 260,000 gallons per day above current usage. Boldt also confirmed the proposal envisions a closed-loop wastewater system.

Several residents who spoke during the public comment period raised concerns about potential impacts, including strains on water and electric systems, hazards to wildlife and the environment, and longer-term effects on quality of life for nearby residents and businesses. The transcript records these concerns as general public comments; no participant identified a specific mitigation plan or made a formal proposal to the council.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions during and after Boldt’s presentation. Councilmembers Collister and Hayward specifically requested information on water consumption and wastewater design; Boldt provided the estimates noted above. Council members later thanked Boldt for informing residents and emphasized that no council motions or votes have been made on the proposal to date.

The item will return for further discussion at a future meeting; the council gave no direction recorded as a formal vote to approve or deny the project at this session.