Taylorville, IL (WAND) – Residents in Christian County got their first opportunity to hear from developers about the proposed $8.8 billion data center project on Tuesday. Many came with questions about environmental impacts, transparency and power usage.

“The electricity side is 1,000 MW. That’s a lot of power. A lot of power,” said Eagle Rock partner Ken Loeber.

The project would require 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Loeber said that power would come from a new gas-fired plant in the area.

“The availability of power, power infrastructure and labor make this a unique place,” Loeber said.

Some residents are concerned the data center could drive up utility rates. Loeber said the project will not increase customer costs.

“All of the costs and infrastructure necessary to develop whatever is needed to provide that power we are bearing and paying for. That does not go back to the ratepayer at all,” Loeber said.

Water use is another concern. Developers estimate the facility would use about 20,000 gallons of water per day.

“The amount of water use is really just to provide the 500 employees with the ability to wash their hands, make lunch and flush the toilets,” Loeber said.

One local farmer said a data center could hurt nearby crops.

“It puts out a lot of heat. I have fields directly across from where this facility will be, and that could critically affect my yield,” said a local farmer.

Many residents are frustrated that they did not hear about the proposal sooner.

“It definitely feels like they’re just trying to go about it however they want and get the job done no matter the cost because we are just another place,” the farmer said.

Developers estimate the project would bring 500 permanent jobs and generate $85 million in tax revenue. The county’s economic development group said the proposal must still be approved by county officials before any construction can begin.

“Anytime you have a project, it can be scary. We want to make sure questions get answered,” said Matt Hart, executive director of the Christian County Economic Development Corp.

Eagle Rock officials said they are still in the early stages of the process and are committed to answering residents’ questions honestly. Loeber said if the county approves the data center, construction will not begin until 2029 or 2030. There is no clear timeline for when the Christian County Board will vote on the proposal.