Hancock County, IN - 9/10/2026 Special Meeting - Citizens' Committee on Data Center Siting

The Hancock County, Indiana Citizens' Committee on Data Center Siting held a special meeting on September 10, 2026, to finalize their report and recommendations regarding data center overlay guidelines. The committee reviewed and approved the August 18 meeting minutes and discussed a comprehensive "data center questions" document that incorporated public comments and addressed various regulatory and operational concerns related to data center siting. Key procurement-related topics included establishing minimum and maximum review timeframes for data center applications, utility plan feasibility reports, annual reporting requirements, environmental stewardship, noise and vibration monitoring, setback and screening standards, construction management plans, fire safety and emergency access standards, and financial assurance mechanisms such as bonds. The committee emphasized the importance of clear application processes, staff delegation for administrative tasks, and coordination with utility providers and emergency services. They also discussed the integration of community benefit agreements and development plans, as well as disclosure requirements for applicants' compliance histories. The final report and meeting minutes were unanimously approved and will be submitted to the Hancock County Area Plan Commission for further action. The committee noted the uniqueness of their work in the state and the importance of overlay ordinances in successful data center projects.