Submitted
On Wednesday, March 11, the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA) held a panel discussion on data centers to examine their requirements, benefits, and any challenges they present.
The panel, moderated by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, consisted of the following municipal leaders, energy sector representatives, and a land use expert:
- Andrew Greenwood, Bargersville Town Council President
- Mike Dellinger, Morgan County Economic Development Corporation
- Patrick Maguire, AES
- Justin Forshey, CenterPoint Energy
- Ed Bukovac, Citizens Water
- Erin Schneider, Duke Energy
- Kelley Karn, Duke Energy
- Chad Sweeney, Ginovus
Photo provided by CIRDA
“Today was a very important step for central Indiana – which represents 40 percent of the state’s GDP – to have a factual conversation about data centers, knowing that this technology is going to continue to grow,” said Mayor Jensen, who also serves as the Vice Chair of CIRDA.
The panel discussion served as a balanced conversation among experts, each answering questions as they pertained to their respective industry. This learning session served as a collaborative effort to build a foundational understanding of data centers as CIRDA works to develop a long-term economic development strategy to solidify Central Indiana as a globally competitive region.
“CIRDA is going to continue to be part of the discussion in central Indiana, and we need to understand the facts around what type of energy uses they have, what type of water uses they have, what kind of land they’re looking for,” Jensen said. “Then, that allows us – on the local level – to go back and inform our citizens and have an honest conversation about our future, how this may or may not fit into our communities, and how it could affect the region as a whole.”
CIRDA will be meeting on the following dates:
- May 13
- July 15
- Sept. 16
All meetings will be held at IU Indianapolis – Hine Hall (Kelley Room 137), 875 W. North St., Indianapolis. Meetings take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and are open to the public.
For more information about the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA), visit centralindianarda.org.
