$6.6B Data Center a ‘Major Investment’ in Independence, Kan.
$6.6B Data Center a ‘Major Investment’ in Independence, Kan.
Publish Date: 2026-01-14 17:52:00
Source Domain: www.govtech.com
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Major Investment: Nebius, a European AI data infrastructure firm, plans to build a multibillion-dollar data center in Independence, Missouri, with a total investment of around $6.6 billion, plus up to $150 billion for hardware over time.
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Project Timeline: Construction for the expansive data center is expected to start in summer 2026 and continue for 3 to 5 years, with initial buildings opening by 2028.
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Economic Impact: The project is anticipated to generate tax revenue for the city, Jackson County, local schools, libraries, and community colleges, potentially providing tens of millions of dollars starting in 2028.
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Local Job Creation: The data center is projected to create 125 full-time jobs and additional roles in the construction sector, though no local labor preference is set.
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Energy and Utility Use: Nebius plans to construct a new power plant at the site to meet the anticipated energy needs of up to 800 megawatts, managing its own electricity costs without raising bills for municipal customers.
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Environmental Concerns: City officials addressed local worries about environmental impacts like noise pollution, water use, and air pollution during the planning process. Studies will continue to assess and mitigate these effects.
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Infrastructure and Zoning: The location within the Eastgate Commerce Center allows faster development because the area is already zoned for industrial and business purposes, streamlining the regulatory process.
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Comparative Size: The planned data center will cover about 400 acres, roughly the size of half the Mall of America, creating one of the largest data centers in the United States.
