Google Wins Approval for Wetland Filling Permit at Fort Wayne Data Center

Google's plans to expand its data center in Fort Wayne, Indiana have taken a step forward after the state Department of Environmental Management approved a permit allowing the developer to fill over two acres of wetlands. The move has drawn opposition from local residents and one city councilman, who expressed concerns about environmental impact.

The permit allows Hatchworks LLC, the developer behind the data center project, to fill 2.13 acres of forested isolated wetlands as part of the third phase of construction. This includes plans to build three more data center buildings and related improvements, with a total investment of $2 billion announced in April 2024.

City Councilman Geoff Paddock expressed his opposition to the plan, citing concerns from his constituents about the environmental impact. In a letter to state officials, he asked IDEM to require Google to work within environmental parameters and not strain wetlands further in an area where they chose to locate.