Hallam Data Center Moves Forward After Unanimous Vote
Hallam, Neb. (KLKN) — A new data center is moving forward in Hallam after the Village Board unanimously approved a special-use permit Monday night.
The 35-megawatt data center will be located at Monolith’s Olive Creek site. Monolith, which already operates a carbon black manufacturing plant near Hallam, is partnering with Crusoe to build the 10-acre modular data center on its existing property.
The proposal has been a topic of debate throughout the approval process.
Hallam Board Chairman Gary Vocasek said community members have differing opinions about the development.
“Some are going to be upset about it, some are going to be happy about it,” Vocasek said. “Probably won’t know completely if it’s a good thing or not until 10, 20 years from now.”
For Vocasek, the decision is also about what could come next for the area. He said he hopes Monolith continues expanding its existing plant, which he believes could bring additional jobs to the area.
The data center also comes with money for the community. Once the facility is operational, Crusoe has agreed to contribute $1 million, followed by $150,000 annually for 10 years.
Vocasek said Hallam plans to form a committee to determine how the money is used, with possibilities including the village park, infrastructure and projects benefiting people in the surrounding area.
Monolith CEO Russ Webb said in a statement the company is “grateful for the approval” and thanked the community for its engagement throughout the process. Webb said Monolith plans to continue communicating with residents and listening to feedback as the project moves forward.
A timeline for when construction will begin has not yet been announced.
