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Bay County Townships Reviewing Rules After Data Center Inquiry
Russ Survance
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:48:01 EST
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Two Bay County communities are reviewing local zoning laws after being approached by a company seeking details about potential sites for data centers.
Officials in Frankenlust and Williams townships received a letter from Data Ops and Paces asking about existing ordinances related to data centers and solar developments.
Frankenlust Township Supervisor Ron Campbell confirmed that engineers are drafting new regulations to address such projects, citing public concern about energy use, water demand, and the potential loss of farmland.
Campbell said most township residents oppose large-scale developments such as solar fields or data centers on agricultural property. He added that the township's planning commission will review the company's inquiry at an upcoming meeting, though no formal proposals or timelines have been presented.
Williams Township officials have not commented on the correspondence. Interest in rural Mid-Michigan has grown as data center projects face increasing resistance in other parts of the state.
