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Data center project · Story County, Iowa

LightEdge Ames colocation data center

Proposed · LightEdge asked Ames to lease airport land for a colocation data center growing to 25 MW; the council has made no decision and formed a study committee.

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Status
Proposed · as of Sept. 22, 2026
Location
10.86 acres on Aviation Way, Ames Municipal Airport land · Story County
Status note
Request to lease city airport land; no decision. A resident study committee was appointed Sept. 22.
Power
25 MW
3 MW first phase, 6 MW second, 25 MW at full buildout over about 10 years (city).
Land
10.86 acres
Developer and team
LightEdge
Evidence
Primary public records
Size class
Under 50 MW (outside main scope; kept for completeness)
Map position approximate, from the reported address or area. Updated Oct. 17, 2026.

Updates, newest first

  1. Sept. 22, 2026 Council appointed the committee members. (City of Ames, Oct. 20, 2026)
  2. Aug. 25, 2026 Council approved a plan for a data center study committee. (City of Ames, Oct. 20, 2026)
  3. July 28, 2026 Staff reported on options for a temporary delay of data center development. (City of Ames, Oct. 20, 2026)
  4. June 30, 2026 Council held a resident listening session. (City of Ames, Oct. 20, 2026)
  5. June 16, 2026 City staff report on the LightEdge request; council scheduled a listening session. (City of Ames, Oct. 20, 2026)

Conflicts and open questions

  • Under 50 MW; kept because of the public debate.

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