Pine Island Residents Push Back Against Proposed Google Data Center

A proposed Google data center in Pine Island, Minnesota has sparked controversy among residents, who are pushing back against the project citing environmental concerns and lack of transparency.

The project, known as Project Skyway, would be developed on roughly 482 acres in and around Pine Island. Reverend David Derksen, a vocal opponent of the project, expressed concern about the adequacy of the environmental review, water use, and potential health impacts.

Dates for the project timeline indicate that discussions began with Ryan Companies in late 2023, followed by public open houses in April, July, and October 2025. However, Derksen points to a sentiment survey conducted between August 1-31, which found that 75.8% of participants were against the construction of Project Skyway.

The city has approved a tax abatement of approximately $36.5 million over 28 years and estimates that the project would use up to 152,000 gallons of water per day or less once fully built out.