Marshall Approves Land Sale for Major Data Center and Power Plant Complex December 19, 2025 The city of Marshall, Michigan, has taken a significant step toward establishing itself as a key node in the state's expanding technology infrastructure landscape. In a move that underscores the intense demand for data center capacity driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, local authorities have finalized a land deal for a massive, privately-funded technology park. The Marshall Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) unanimously approved a purchase agreement with Ontario-based Alterra Development during a special meeting on October 30. The authority sold 270 acres of land within the Brooks Industrial Park to the developer for $1.12 million, with 112 acres designated as buildable for the proposed project. The agreement initiates a 180-day due diligence period, secured by a $50,000 deposit, during which Alterra will conduct site investigations including electrical studies and environmental assessments with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. This process is expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2026, after which construction may begin. The scale of the planned development is substantial. Alterra officials presented the project as a minimum investment of $10 to $15 billion, with costs potentially rising based on factors like wetland mitigation and power availability. The aim is to create a fully permitted site featuring a validated design for 1 gigawatt of on-site gas-fired power generation alongside a 1.5-gigawatt technology park for data centers. This positions the project to join a growing network of server warehouse sites; a recent industry tally identified at least 16 such locations across 10 counties in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. For the local community, the implications are multifaceted. Once operational, the facility is projected to create 300 to 500 full-time positions with annual salaries ranging from $78,000 to $180,000 in roles such as electricians, fiber technicians, and software engineers. The development also promises significant economic benefits, including millions in annual property tax revenue for schools and city services, a tax increment financing mechanism to support LDFA projects through 2046, and the establishment of a $3 million community investment fund for STEM education. In response to initial concerns about resource usage, the developer stated plans to employ a closed-loop liquid cooling system for the data centers, which recirculates water and would not create an ongoing demand on the municipal water supply. Source: mlive
Marshall, Michigan Approves Land Sale for Major Data Center and Power Plant Complex
