Data centers are coming for rural America

A closed paper mill in Jay, Maine, is being redeveloped for a proposed $550 million data center after a failed industrial reuse plan.

The project reflects a broader wave of developers targeting rural America for data centers, promising jobs and tax revenue.

Local officials and residents worry about limited expertise, heavy electricity and water demand, and uncertain long-term economic benefits.

Maine’s effort to pause large data center permits was vetoed, keeping the policy debate over grid strain and environmental impacts alive.