Pokagon Band of Potawatomi supports City of Dowagiac's Call for Transparency on data center expansion

DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana announced Monday that it supports Mayor Patrick M. Bakeman and the City of Dowagiac’s call for transparency about a planned data center expansion in Dowagiac, Michigan. 

Hyperscale Data, Inc. announced on Mar. 30 that it has entered into an agreement acquire an additional 48.5 acres of land in Southwest Michigan, more than doubling its property in the region.

The Hyperscale Data press release did not provide details about the location, nor address the potential local and environmental impact, fueling concern from area residents.

Public records show that Hyperscale Data already owns a data center in Dowagiac, located on a 34.5-acre site at 415 East Prairie Ronde Street. 

Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman for the Pokagon Band stated, “We applaud the efforts of Mayor Bakeman and the City of Dowagiac to obtain more information about the data center expansion announced by Hyperscale Data, Inc.  Dowagiac is located within the ancestral homelands of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and home to our Tribal Government Campus as well as many of our Tribal Citizens.  Like the Mayor, we are concerned about the potential impact a growing data center will have on Dowagiac residents, as well as community and environmental resources.  Although data centers can offer some benefits, noise from power generation, strain on electrical infrastructure, and heavy use of local water resources for cooling are key concerns.  We look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with the Hyperscale Data and the City of Dowagiac.”    

Mayor Bakeman also stated, “We have a strong government-to-government relationship with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, and we welcome their support in our efforts to create an environment in which both businesses and neighbors in Dowagiac can be successful.  We look forward to receiving answers from Hyperscale Data within our 45-day deadline and ensuring their plan is within full regulatory compliance.”