The Beloit and Turtle Data Center Project FAQ
A potential new, large-scale data center campus is being considered in Beloit and Turtle to support the growing demand for digital infrastructure.
Beloit and Turtle offer a strong combination of location, infrastructure, and access to utilities that make it a good fit for a project of this scale. Just as important, the project team is working to determine whether this development aligns with the community’s priorities and long-term vision.
Panattoni Development Company will be working with the Townships of Turtle and Beloit as the project developer, assessing feasibility of the site and work with the Townships to determine if this project is a fit for their communities. The team would lead the planning and approvals while working closely with local partners, officials, and community members.
Panattoni brings more than 40 years of experience delivering large-scale industrial and technology projects. The company’s approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and long-term community engagement.
Data centers are facilities that house the servers and infrastructure that power the internet, cloud computing, and digital services. They support everyday activities such as streaming, online banking, and business operations, as well as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. As demand for data continues to grow, these facilities play an important role in how people live and work.
A portion of the site is currently used as an active gravel quarry. As the project moves forward, the team will evaluate how the site can be responsibly transitioned and integrated into a new long-term use.
While both uses are industrial in nature, a data center campus operates very differently from a quarry. Over time, the transition is expected to reduce certain impacts commonly associated with quarry operations, such as heavy truck traffic and continuous material extraction. The project is supported by a closed loop cooling system designed to recycle water and minimize overall consumption.
As planning continues, studies and design considerations will help determine how the site can be redeveloped in a way that aligns with community expectations.
While both uses are industrial in nature, a data center campus operates very differently from a quarry. Over time, the transition is expected to reduce certain impacts commonly associated with quarry operations, such as heavy truck traffic and continuous material extraction. The project is supported by a closed loop cooling system designed to recycle water and minimize overall consumption.
As planning continues, studies and design considerations will help determine how the site can be redeveloped in a way that aligns with community expectations.
If approved, the project is expected to bring economic benefits to the area, including construction jobs and long-term operational roles. It can also increase demand for local services and businesses over time.
In addition, projects like this typically contribute to the local tax base, helping support schools, infrastructure, and emergency services that residents rely on.
In addition, projects like this typically contribute to the local tax base, helping support schools, infrastructure, and emergency services that residents rely on.
Final job numbers will be determined as the project design progresses. Projects of this scale typically create a range of construction jobs, along with long-term operational roles. They also support ongoing work for local contractors, vendors, and service providers.
Yes. If approved, the project is expected to increase property tax revenue for the local community. Large data center campuses typically contribute meaningfully to the tax base, helping fund public services such as schools, roads, and emergency response.
No. While there is an initial increase in tax revenue during construction, data centers also generate ongoing tax revenue once operational. Equipment inside the facility is regularly maintained, upgraded, and replaced over time, which continues to contribute to the local tax base. This provides a long-term, stable source of revenue for the community.
A traffic study is currently underway to better understand potential impacts. Construction will bring temporary increases in traffic, as with any large project. Over the long term, a data center typically generates less heavy truck traffic than an active quarry.
The project team will work with local officials to help ensure traffic is managed safely and efficiently.
The project team will work with local officials to help ensure traffic is managed safely and efficiently.
A noise study is currently underway. Data centers are designed to meet local noise standards, and equipment is typically enclosed and engineered to reduce sound.
Over time, noise from a data center is expected to differ from and generally be less disruptive than noise associated with existing site operations.
Over time, noise from a data center is expected to differ from and generally be less disruptive than noise associated with existing site operations.
The project team is working closely with utility providers to evaluate power needs and infrastructure upgrades will be paid for as part of project costs. Any development would be required to meet all applicable standards to ensure reliability for homes and businesses in the area.
Water use and sourcing are being evaluated through ongoing studies, including groundwater and aquifer analysis. The project team will work with local agencies to ensure water is used responsibly.
The facility is expected to use a closed loop cooling system, which recycles water and is designed to significantly reduce overall usage.
The facility is expected to use a closed loop cooling system, which recycles water and is designed to significantly reduce overall usage.
Backup generators are standard for data centers and are used mainly during emergencies or routine testing. The project would be required to meet all air quality regulations and obtain the necessary permits to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
The project is still in the early design phase. As plans are developed, the team will work within local guidelines and consider building design, landscaping, and buffering to ensure the site fits appropriately within the surrounding area.
The project team is committed to ongoing communication with residents, business owners, and local stakeholders. This includes working with local governments and organizations and sharing updates as more information becomes available.
The project is currently in the early stages, including planning, studies, and approvals. More detailed timing will be shared as the project progresses.
A number of studies are in progress to better understand potential impacts and requirements. These include a traffic study, water and wastewater analysis, groundwater and aquifer testing, a Phase 1 environmental site assessment, a noise study, air permitting review, and evaluations of biological resources such as species, wetlands, and cultural features.
These studies will help inform project design and ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
These studies will help inform project design and ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
Yes. Any project would be required to meet local, state, and federal environmental standards. The design will focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible site development.
The project team will continue working with local agencies and experts to address topics such as water use, energy, and environmental protection.
The project team will continue working with local agencies and experts to address topics such as water use, energy, and environmental protection.
The project is expected to use a closed loop cooling system, which recycles water and helps reduce overall consumption. This approach is designed to minimize impacts on local water resources.
Yes. Backup generators would be located on-site to ensure reliability. The exact number and specifications are still being determined as the project design progresses.
No. This project does not include nuclear energy.
Yes. The project is expected to create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and service providers during construction and throughout ongoing operations.
The project will continue moving through studies, community discussions, and the planning and approvals process. As more information becomes available, updates will be shared with the community.