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Brett W. Todd - page 4

Brett W. Todd has 984 articles published.

Brett W. Todd is the managing editor of Clinton County Today. Clinton County Today is a community-focused website to provide individuals of Clinton County Indiana and surrounding areas with information impacting their lives. Clinton County Today is a service of Progressive Partners of Indiana, LLC where Brett W. Todd is its managing member.

Frankfort Utility Board Dispels Water Misinformation, Eyes Significant New User South of NHK at I-65

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An illustration of a proposed hydroponics development in Clinton County, Indiana. (Illustration/LoopNet "Park 65")

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 4, 2025) — The Frankfort Utility Service Board is advancing discussions for a new, sizable industrial development slated for an area south of NHK, near I-65 and State Road 28, while also actively working to counter what board members describe as “misrepresented facts” circulating on social media regarding the city’s water capacity and aquifer health.

Discussions regarding the new, potential developer have been ongoing for approximately 18 months to two years according to Todd Corrie, general manager of Frankfort Municipal Utilities. Corrie added the project is anticipated to be a “good electric user” and a “good water user,” though it will have “very little wastewater user” requirements. The utility is currently awaiting further information to determine the size of the necessary substation, which the developer will be responsible for installing.

A source familiar with the project confirmed the proposed land is the titled “Park 65” on LoopNet and would be developed for a single user. The LoopNet “property facts” reveal a total of 9 separate buildings in various sizes totaling 4.3 million square feet on 400 acres of land situated between County Road 800 west and I-65 on the west and east respectively with NHK to the north and County Road 300 South to the south. The listing first appeared on LoopNet on January 12, 2024.

The source added the property would be developed for a hydroponics grower of lettuce. The United States Department of Agriculture defines hydroponics as “the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, and can include an aggregate substrate, or growing media.”

Final determination on the proposed project has yet to be made and would first have to receive approvals from the various county boards.

Concerns about water usage and utility capacity, particularly in relation to potential data center developments, have gained traction on social media according to board members. In response, the board has committed to an “engineering-based response based on the facts” rather than an emotional one. They plan to conduct a “due diligence evaluation” by assessing developers’ projected utility needs (water, electric, wastewater treatment) against existing capacities. The ultimate goal is to publish a “case study or update” for the public, detailing Frankfort’s utility situation and the projected usage by new developments.

Corrie shared current water usage data with the board. The water plant’s rated capacity is 9 million gallons per day, with a firm capacity of 7.2 million gallons per day to account for equipment failures. Over the last 18 months, the average pumping rate has been 3.78 million gallons per day, with the highest monthly average recorded in August 2024 at 3.908 million gallons. The three highest single-day pumping rates in the same period were 4.585 million gallons on September 26, 2024, 4.4 million on July 2, 2024, and 4.3 million on July 24, 2024. Corrie added the current usage operates at just over half of the firm capacity. The five largest existing customers collectively average just over 2 million gallons per day.

Regarding the aquifers, an aquifer study conducted last year confirmed that a “significant amount of untouched water available” exists beneath the city. Board members clarified that aquifers are “continually replenished” and do not contain a finite amount of water. The area benefits from two aquifers, one approximately 160 feet deep and another around 300 feet deep. This abundance supports the board’s belief that there is “plenty of water available” for future industrial, commercial, and residential development. The water is also noted for its “very high quality” and is inexpensive, with only Tipton, Indiana, having lower rates. Corrie shared FMU water rates are among the lowest 1-2 percentile statewide for water rates.

The board reiterated that aspects like light pollution, noise pollution, and groundwater contamination fall outside their purview and are governed by county ordinances, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), and the federal EPA. The board intends to provide the promised due diligence evaluation and case study/update in a structured manner, acknowledging that it will take time to compile.

Prairie Creek Park Splash Pad Damaged by Filter Blast; Officials Warn Against Bringing Animals

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The splash pad at Prairie Creek Park has experienced recent operational issues, including a significant incident where a filter "blew up" on a worker, prompting officials to remind the public that bringing animals, such as chickens, to the park's water feature is prohibited. (photo/Frankfort Parks & Recreation)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) — The splash pad at Prairie Creek Park has experienced recent operational issues, including a significant incident where a filter “blew up” on a worker, prompting officials to remind the public that bringing animals, such as chickens, to the park’s water feature is prohibited.

The incident occurred about a week prior to the Monday meeting of the Board of Works, when a worker was tending to one of the splash pad’s filters. The filter exploded, causing substantial damage by going through two sets of pipes, and busting a hole in the roof. While the worker was not severely injured, authorities noted she “could have been hurt pretty bad”.

Officials stated that the need for frequent filter changes and maintenance is due to “everything people bring to that splash pad.” During the inspection following the filter incident, feathers were found in the filter, indicating that “different animals” have been brought to the splash pad, which is “not allowed.”

This activity poses multiple problems: it leads to the splash pad being “closed down” and creates a “hazard for our workers” who are responsible for changing the filters.

Following the explosion, staff worked diligently to get the splash pad back online. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM, and they continued working until approximately 5:30 PM that evening to restore functionality.

Authorities have communicated these challenges to the public to explain “why the splash pad might be down” at times, stating it’s “beyond our control” when equipment “breaks.” Efforts are being made to maintain the splash pad, with filters cleaned at least once a week to remove debris, as the system is primarily composed of PVC. Officials reiterated the plea to the public: “No animals, no chickens, anything like that.” Individuals observed bringing animals to the splash pad have been told not to return with them.

Frankfort’s Third Street Park Undergoing Major Renovation

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Frankfort's Third Street Park is set to receive significant upgrades, including new playground equipment and a revamped northern section, as discussed during the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on July 28, 2025. (photo/Frankfort Parks & Recreation)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) – Frankfort’s Third Street Park is set to receive significant upgrades, including new playground equipment and a revamped northern section, as discussed during the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on Monday. City officials conveyed excitement for the project, noting that new equipment is expected to arrive within two weeks.

The old swing sets and playground equipment at the park have been removed due to their dilapidated condition, described as “very bad shape,” “cracked up,” and posing a risk to park-goers. The new playground will be installed in the same location and will feature a new type of rubber mulch surrounding it.

Major changes are also planned for the park’s north side. The north restrooms, which have not been in use for years and have sustained considerable damage, including axe-inflicted holes and interior vandalism, are slated for demolition. The adjacent sandbox, deemed “a mess,” will also be removed. The area where these structures currently stand will be leveled and reconfigured to create a “just lawn area,” potentially with picnic tables. Officials are currently evaluating the need for new restroom facilities on that side, given the absence of other nearby options.

Funding for the new playground equipment, which cost approximately $64,000, came in part from American Rescue Plan money. Officials noted the high current cost of playground equipment, indicating that the acquired set was one of the smallest the department could afford, with a desired, larger set having an estimated cost of $120,000. The $64,000 price was a sale price, reduced from an initial estimate of around $70,000, and includes installation.

The overall sentiment regarding the park’s renovation is positive, with city representatives stating they are “excited” and that “things are moving in the right direction.”

Frankfort Fire Department Promotes Jeff Moore to Lieutenant

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The Frankfort Fire Department has promoted Jeff Moore to the rank of lieutenant, a decision ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its meeting on July 28, 2025. Chief Matt Stidham announced Moore's selection, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership within the department. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) – The Frankfort Fire Department has promoted Jeff Moore to the rank of lieutenant, a decision ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its meeting on Monday. Chief Matt Stidham announced Moore’s selection, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership within the department.

Chief Stidham stated that Moore’s promotion fills a role previously held by Greg Miller and emphasized the department’s commitment to a thorough selection process that evaluates individuals’ qualities, skills, and backgrounds. “One of the things that really stood out to us,” Chief Stidham noted, was Jeff Moore.

Moore’s tenure with the Frankfort Fire Department began on June 19, 2012. Since then, he has completed all necessary officer training. Chief Stidham commended Moore, stating he “really stepped up and showed a lot of leadership throughout the department.” He added that he hears “a lot of good things about him from his officers.”

The promotion was officially approved by a unanimous roll call vote.

Frankfort Fire Department Welcomes First Bilingual Firefighter

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The Frankfort Fire Department has officially welcomed Raphael Eduardo "Eddie" Morales as its newest firefighter, marking a significant milestone as the department's first known bilingual firefighter. His hiring was ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its July 28,2025 meeting. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) – The Frankfort Fire Department has officially welcomed Raphael Eduardo “Eddie” Morales as its newest firefighter, marking a significant milestone as the department’s first known bilingual firefighter. His hiring was ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its Monday meeting.

Fire Chief Matt Stidham presented Morales to the board, expressing great pride in his addition to the department, noting his unique ability to speak two languages. The board formally ratified Morales’s hiring date as July 21, 2025. The motion to approve was seconded and unanimously passed by roll call vote, with Mayor Sheets, Greg Miller, and Jim Skinner all voting “I”.

Morales brings a strong local connection and educational background to his new role. He is a graduate of Frankfort High School and has completed his EMT basic course, as well as his Firefighter One and Two certifications. Chief Stidham shared a personal anecdote, revealing that Morales was one of the children involved in the “Big Brother, Big Sister” program at the fire department many years ago, where firefighters like Josh Uitts participated. Morales began his in-class training immediately upon hire, attending rope and confined space tactical classes in Lafayette.

Frankfort Breaks Ground on Fire Station 4, City’s First New Station in 57 Years

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The City of Frankfort marked a monumental moment for its public safety today with a ceremonial groundbreaking for Fire Station 4, the first new fire station constructed in the city in 57 years. The last similar event was the opening of the fire headquarters in 1968, while Stations 2 and 3, built in 1927 and 1939 respectively, remain operational. 9photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 24, 2025) – The City of Frankfort marked a monumental moment for its public safety today with a ceremonial groundbreaking for Fire Station 4, the first new fire station constructed in the city in 57 years. The last similar event was the opening of the fire headquarters in 1968, while Stations 2 and 3, built in 1927 and 1939 respectively, remain operational.

The ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the location of Fire Station 4, located at County Road 600 West an State Road 28, and will cost the taxpayers no more than $10,350,000 in part to “Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) delivery method.” The project is expected to take 13 months to complete, from ground breaking to ribbon cutting.

Fire Chief Matt Stidham welcomed attendees, emphasizing that the new station is crucial for the “development of the 28 corridor” and the expansion of the city’s fire protection. He credited the collaborative efforts of the firefighters, Mayor Sheets, the Board of Works, and the City Council for bringing the project to fruition.

Mayor Judy Sheets reiterated that Fire Station 4 will be an “additional station” designed to enhance the department’s ability to “serve our community to the best of our ability.” She thanked the Frankfort Fire Department, specifically naming Chief Stidham, Deputy Chiefs Josh Uitts, and Jamie Michaels, for their “due diligence” and perseverance through the project’s challenges. The Mayor underscored the importance of providing firefighters with “good facility, good training… good equipment,” and urged continued support for all public safety employees.

Rich Taylor, Vice President of Business Development at Envoy Companies, a project partner, commended the city’s innovative approach using the BOT delivery method. Taylor explained that this method ensures the project will be delivered at a “lower cost and at a cost certainty,” thereby protecting taxpayers from cost overruns. Envoy also announced a $10,000 contribution towards the purchase of a Safe Haven Baby Box for the new station, aligning with the company’s commitment to incorporate these boxes into new fire stations they build. Taylor further highlighted that the station fulfills a promise made by the administration to provide additional public safety support for NHK, a key corporate citizen in Frankfort.

Indiana State Fire Marshal Steven Jones spoke about the long-term impact of the new facility, stating that “the people will benefit a hundred years from now by the work that goes on today.” Jones stressed the profound impact of firefighters beyond saving lives, including preventing family stress and protecting economic development. He also reflected on the department’s history, noting that in 1890, firefighters were alerted to runs by a school bell donated to the department.

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking, where Mayor Sheets, members of the City Council, and representatives from the Board of Works participated in turning the initial dirt.

Commissioner Brewer Learned of Proposed Data Center “at the end of May”

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Clinton County Commissioner President Jordan Brewer answers questions regarding a proposed data center in Kirklin, Indiana, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Kirklin Community Center during a "Coffee with the Commish." (photo/Brett W. Todd)

KIRKLIN, Ind. – A proposed data center was a topic of discussion at the Kirklin Community Center Tuesday evening during a “Coffee with the Commish” hosted by Clinton County Commissioner President Jordan Brewer.

Brewer first learned about the data center project at the end of May during a Partners in Progress (PIP) meeting, a key group for economic development in Clinton County comprising both county and city elected officials. While most economic development proposals typically take two to three years to develop, this data center project was an exception, moving very rapidly.

Initially, developers indicated their desire to locate the data center within the city of Frankfort, not the county. Brewer “pushed back” against this idea, stating he would “never support annexation.” His opposition stems from a past annexation that took place along the I-65 and State Road 28 corridor, where the county developed infrastructure only for the city to annex the area, leading to a near-doubling of taxes (approximately 2.65% city rate), which Brewer believes “hurt the development in that area.”

Following that initial meeting, Brewer reported having no further direct communication with the developer. He later learned, via screenshots, that the developer was proceeding with a city planning commission meeting for 700 acres, a development that caused the situation to “blow up.” Furthermore, no county official was invited to the developer’s social event, and the county has largely been “on the exterior of any conversations lately.”

Brewer described to attendees that a data center “just houses a lot of computers that are going to service all these AI systems” and involves “a lot of processors.” He noted that the county is dealing with a real estate company that procures sites, not the actual “end user” like Google, Meta, Apple, or Amazon. The developer had initially stated they “weren’t coming here if they didn’t have a thousand acres.”

Specific details regarding water usage for cooling and electricity were not discussed in the initial meeting, commented Brewer. Concerns about aquifer studies and water reuse were raised by a participant, which Brewer acknowledged as unknowns, expecting utilities to conduct such studies. He also mentioned unverified reports that modern data centers are “more efficient than they’ve ever been,” using less water and more air cooling.

The financial impact of the project remains uncertain due to recent state legislature changes, particularly Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which is reforming how property tax and county revenue function. The county is “in flux” and does not “even know the rules to the game going into the future” regarding economic development, as revenue appears to be shifting more towards income tax than property tax.

While the project is expected to provide assessed value, Brewer is unsure about the accuracy of job creation claims, as the initial presentation was “high level” and lacked such details.

Brewer also noted that data centers are a “pretty contentious” topic in other areas. Adding, this specific project was “rejected in Greenfield, Indiana,” and he heard of another contentious one in Morgan County. Personally, Brewer believes it would be “better as a city project” due to its geography, as the first 115 acres are already within the city and it physically touches the city.

Financially, the county would be in “basically the same position regardless if it’s a county project or a city project” because the county collects assessed value revenue through a TIF district on the difference between current and new assessed value, irrespective of jurisdiction.

Current Project Status and Location:
* The proposed site is described as “a little northwest of Frito Lay”.
* The developer, Logix Reality, LLC, has since pulled their zoning permit for an upcoming meeting on Wednesday.
* Brewer believes the developer is attempting to “start over the process” by bringing the project through county zoning via the Area Planning Commission.
* The proposed location is north of Conagra, encompassing 700 to 800 acres.
* An additional 115 acres to the east of Conagra have already been rezoned and are currently within the city of Frankfort.
* According to Brewer, the reported financial value of the development changes “daily,” ranging from a billion to four billion to ten billion dollars, with no clarification provided since the original meeting.

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets: ‘I’m doing my due diligence. I’m doing my research.’

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Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets confirmed the proposed data center project remains in its preliminary stages, with the city actively conducting "due diligence" to assess its potential impact on the community. Sheets emphasized that despite public speculation, no official agreements or paperwork for annexation have been presented to the City Council.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 22, 2025) – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets confirmed the proposed data center project remains in its preliminary stages, with the city actively conducting “due diligence” to assess its potential impact on the community. Sheets emphasized that despite public speculation, no official agreements or paperwork for annexation have been presented to the City Council.

Mayor Sheets provided the update after Monday’s Utility Service Board meeting.

The Mayor highlighted that the city’s focus is on understanding the financial implications of the project, including how Indiana’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1) will affect the budget in the coming years, and clarifying the impact of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) area on land requesting voluntary annexation into the city. While finances are a significant consideration, Sheets noted that “it’s not all about the finances,” as the city is also evaluating other potential effects on Frankfort and Clinton County.

A specific parcel of land, already within Frankfort city limits and adjacent to Conagra, is a key component of the proposed development. The developer has successfully obtained a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to permit a data center on this land. This specific portion alone is touted as a $1.7 billion investment. Furthermore, the utility service board has issued a “will serve” letter for this site. Despite this, Mayor Sheets stated she doesn’t know if the developer would “even move forward” with just this parcel if the larger annexation request fails.

Sheets also made it clear that there has been “no talk of any abatements, any incentives” from the developer. She noted that the city conveyed “pretty well told to them from the beginning we’re not interested in that type of a thing”. This stance is influenced by a previous “long abatement” granted to Conagra.

Key points regarding the project’s current status:
* The city does not yet know the identity of the end user for the data center, whether it be a major tech company like Meta, Alphabet, Oracle, or Amazon.
* The land for the broader project has not yet annexed or heard before the city plan commission.
* A required fiscal plan as part of annexation has not been submitted to the council.
* Mayor Sheets expressed frustration with public perception that decisions have already been made, stating, “we have no official agreements, no official paperwork has come before the Council for annexation”.

The Mayor anticipates a clearer understanding of the project’s future direction “after city plan commission” hearing Wednesday, July 23 at 5:30 pm.

You can read the interview below. The interview was edited for clarity.

Clinton County Today: Can you give a brief overview of where the proposed data center project stands?

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets: I’m doing my due diligence. I’m doing my research. I’m trying to figure out the financial impact on your city. And you know other things that this might make happen or not happen for a city.

So I think it’s important that people just realize that we are always looking out for the best of our community. Sometimes it comes a little more quickly than we expected and so I have a lot of work I’m trying to work on to make sure – like I said – we’re doing our due diligence. We want to make sure that we’re making the right decision.

CCT: The city council recently had a work session with Reedy Financial. What type of impact might this project have on the city’s budget?

Mayor: I think what we’re looking at right now, and the reason why we have Reedy at the work session was so that we can realize how SB1 is going to affect us not only next year, but the years thereafter.

And you know, we never know things could change, who knows, but I think that that’s what we’re looking at right now.

Also, part of that is a TIF area for the county. So I want some clarification on that. What effect will that have on the city as well? So there’s a lot of things to look at, you know, and it’s not all about the finances. It’s all sort of the other things that could affect our city or our county depending on what happens with the annexation.

CCT: One part of the proposed data center is land that is currently within the city limit and is next to Conagra. The developer went in front of the BZA and asked for a variance so a data center could be placed on that land and received the variance. Could a data center be built on the land even if the request for the 700 acres received a negative recommendation from the city plan commission or the land fails to be annexed in by the city council? There’s still some options?

Mayor: Yeah, I guess there is. I mean, because they did get the variance. So right now that land is in the city. So, you know, it depends. Would they even move forward with it. I don’t know if they could move on into the next phase. I don’t know.

CCT: The developer stated that portion alone would be a $1.7 billion investment to the city, seems rather
significant, already inside the city, and it’s received its variance to put a data center there. The utility service board has given their “will serve” letter to it.

Mayor: I want to clarify something. There has been no, no talk of any abatements, any incentives. Nothing like that. They’ve never even asked that. I mean, but I think it was pretty well told to them from the beginning we’re not interested in that type of a thing, you know, right now, because as we know, Conagra, got a long abatement, a nice abatement. And so I think we’ve let them know right off – this is not gonna be the same situation here.

CCT: I would imagine it’s difficult to even say yes to an abatement when you don’t know who the end user will be whether it’s Meta, Alphabet, Oracle or Amazon. It’s hard to say who you’re going to work with.

Mayor: At this point we don’t even know and also it’s my understanding that that land has not been transferred over. I wish people would realize, they all have their opinion that we’ve already decided that we know it, but, we have no official agreements, no official paperwork has come before the Council for annexation.

They have to have a fiscal plan. None of this has come to the council at all. I mean, it’s in so much of a preliminary state right now, but everybody has all this stuff – ‘how we’re all lighting our pockets or how we know this or that’ – and we don’t.

After city plan, I think we’ll have a better idea depending on what they do.

Frankfort Utilities Approves Non-binding Power Agreement for Potential Data Center

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A screen capture of a Frankfort Utility Service Board meeting conducted on May 19, 2025 where the members gave its approval to a non-binding "will serve" letter for a prospective large data center, signaling the municipal utility's capability and willingness to provide up to 300 megawatts of electrical capacity to the site.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 19, 2025) – The Frankfort Utility Service Board (USB) has given its approval to a non-binding “will serve” letter for a prospective large data center, signaling the municipal utility’s capability and willingness to provide up to 300 megawatts of electrical capacity to the site. The vote took place during a May 19, 2025 meeting with Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets in attendance.

Todd Corrie, General Manager of Frankfort Municipal Utilities, made the request on behalf of the developer, Logistix. The “will serve” letter is essential for the developer to demonstrate to investors that they are “shovel ready,” a necessary requirement to move forward with their process.

However, the utility’s commitment to serve is contingent upon several conditions, ensuring the agreement remains non-binding if these are not met, according to the USB and City of Frankfort attorney Alicia Albertson:
* The execution of all agreements between the developer and Frankfort Municipal Utilities.
* The developer’s donation of land for a substation and the execution of a land contribution agreement.
* The construction of a power line for service use.
* The customer’s payment of all associated costs and fees.
* Successful implementation of a new rate class for a user of this size, which may require approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
* Appropriate power provision by the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA), as the local utility cannot supply the customer if IMPA cannot supply them.

Albertson further explained, the “will serve” letter remains valid for a period of three years from its signing date. If ground is not broken within this timeframe, the letter becomes invalid. The utility will not be obligated for equipment purchases or construction until all contingencies are met and ground is broken within the specified three-year period.

The request for a “will-serve” letter came after the Frankfort Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) unanimously approved a special exception to permit a data processing center in the industrial zone and granted a developmental standard variance due to the proposed impervious surface ratio exceeding 50% during a special meeting of the BZA on April 23, 2025.

During a June 2, 2025 USB meeting Corrie, while providing an update to board members said while looking back at those in attendance, “Mayor, you were in a couple of meetings? It sounds like a pretty big deal to where they are even looking at more property than what they have secured right now.”

According to an article by Inside INdiana Business published July 17, 2025 with Doug Swain, president of Logistix, contained the following passage, “over a year ago, Logistix bought 100 acres … the area is directly north of the Frito Lay plant and northeast of the Conagra facility along the railroad tracks.”

A review of online records available from Beacon, does not show a property transaction recorded involving Logistix.

Corrie also shared with board members during the June 2 meeting, “… [Logistix] electrical engineering firm is now in contact with our electrical engineering firm for the substation design… I’m orchestrating all these people talking to each other and staying up-to-date…”

Corrie clarified to board members the substation north of Conagra, on the other side of the rail tracks, is a JTS substation and the power that would supply a yet to be constructed substation for the proposed data center would be a JTS line.

On July 23, 2025, the Frankfort city plan commission will hear a petition from Logix Realty, LLC for nearly 715 acres to change from zoning A1 (county) to General Business (city). Currently the land sits in the county and would have to first be annexed into the city for any change in zoning to take place.

The city plan commission meets at 5:30 in Old Stoney.

Community Packs Iron Block to Hear from Data Center Developers

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Members of the Frankfort and Clinton County community filled the second floor conference room of the Iron Block building tonight to hear from and ask questions of developers that are proposing a large-scale data center project spanning over 700 acres in Frankfort, with an estimated total investment exceeding $10 billion. (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 15, 2025) — Members of the Frankfort and Clinton County community filled the second floor conference room of the Iron Block building tonight to hear from and ask questions of developers that are proposing a large-scale data center project spanning over 700 acres in Frankfort, with an estimated total investment exceeding $10 billion.

The project, spearheaded by Logistix, aims to bring significant economic benefits to Clinton County and the city of Frankfort, but it also raises questions and concerns among local residents regarding land acquisition, environmental impact, and job creation.

Doug Swain of Logistix stated that the development is envisioned as a transformational project for Frankfort. He highlighted that the companies they are in discussion with are “well capitalized institutional type of companies,” some of which would be recognizable names in the data center industry. These companies are very keen on community engagement and support.

The project’s location was chosen due to several factors, including its placement within an industrial park to promote “smart development” rather than sprawl, and its proximity to an existing substation. Frankfort’s location between Indianapolis and Chicago, its access to power and infrastructure, and a “nice underground aquifer” were also cited as advantages. Scott Wolf, another individual involved in the project, noted that Frankfort’s city-owned utility is a positive, and that the power company can provide 300 megawatts within a year, a significant factor as such capacity is not readily available.

Key Aspects and Community Concerns:

Land Acquisition and Homeowners

* The project grew from an initial 100 acres to over 700, prompting a need for more land. Developers initially prioritized larger farm owners due to planning timelines for initial filings.

* Homeowners within the proposed project area expressed concern about being overlooked and the potential undervaluation of their properties.

* Jim Shook, responsible for land acquisition, assured residents that he would begin reaching out to homeowners immediately to discuss purchasing their properties, emphasizing that the intent is to work toward a “fair agreement on valuations”. He clarified that the developers would offer to buy the land and that homeowners have the right to refuse, in which case the project would “build around” those properties as it is a private development and does not involve eminent domain. Properties explicitly identified for potential purchase include several homes in the center of the proposed area, south and east/west of County Road 50, near the railroad tracks.

* The developers intend to close land acquisition fairly quickly, allowing for flexibility regarding possession dates for homeowners.

Economic Impact and Jobs

* Developers project significant tax benefits for Clinton County from the substantial investment.

* Employment estimates were provided, ranging from 0.5 to 1 direct job per megawatt, plus an additional two indirect jobs. For a 600-megawatt facility, this could mean 300-600 direct jobs and potentially thousands of indirect jobs. These indirect jobs are expected to span years during the build-out phase.

* Concerns were raised about whether these jobs would be filled by local residents or outside contractors. Developers stated that data center operators prefer local employees for quick response to issues. They plan to engage with local tech colleges for training programs to support the industry, encouraging local talent development. The average annual salaries for employees at these facilities are projected to be close to $100,000.

Environmental and Utility Concerns

* Light Pollution: Developers pledged to design within ordinances and be sensitive to lighting needs, noting that data centers, unlike industrial facilities with heavy truck traffic, require less intense lighting, mainly for security which can be done with infrared. This was a particular concern given the proximity of the Prairie Grass Observatory.

* Noise Pollution: Residents expressed fears of noise likened to a “swarm of locusts”. Developers countered that modern data centers are “much more acoustically sound” and purposefully built, unlike older Bitcoin mining operations. They indicated that noise levels would be lower than those from typical manufacturing facilities and that sound walls could be implemented.

* Water Usage: The project’s potential demand for water from Frankfort’s aquifers was a key concern. Developers stated that the data center industry has made significant strides in sustainability, with some companies using “hardly any water” through air-cooling or sustainable practices, and even those using “a million gallons a day” doing so sustainably. They asserted that the project would not strain the city’s water supply, which recently underwent line upgrades, and that potential users themselves would not want to operate in an environment with strained resources.

* Electricity: The immense electricity needs (potentially 500-600 megawatts) were discussed. The plan involves building a new substation south of the tracks, fed by an existing substation with a 230-megawatt surplus, which would also benefit future manufacturing growth in Frankfort. Developers emphasized that the electrical service for the data center would be a “completely separate service” with an “independent separate power service agreement,” meaning its costs would be absorbed by the user and not burden the existing community utility system. Data centers also build redundancy into their power systems.

Tax Abatements and Community Impact

* A significant state incentive for data center operators is a sales tax exemption on electric and personal property, potentially saving hundreds of millions of dollars.

* Residents voiced concerns about the possibility of increased property taxes for homeowners to compensate for abatements offered to the data center, citing negative experiences in other counties like Boone County with the Lilly project. Developers believe the overall benefits from the company’s taxes and the influx of higher-earning residents would benefit the community and help maintain affordable prices.

Project Timeline and Future

* The overall project development is expected to span approximately 5 to 7 years, with phase one (already zoned industrial near Conagra) potentially taking 3 to 5 years.

* The technology within data centers is refreshed every five to six years, and the substantial investment involved means these facilities are designed for long-term commitment, not temporary operation. Developers are currently in discussions with a handful of “major players” to be the ultimate operator, with a potential deal being finalized in as little as “two months”. These companies are currently all U.S.-based.

The next step in the project is a July 23 public meeting before the City Plan Commission.

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