Data Center Campus
QTS is exploring the development of a data center facility in the Clinton area to support digital infrastructure used by businesses and organizations across the country. While plans are still in the very early stages, we are committed to sharing updates and listening to community feedback as this process continues.
WHY QTS
We believe how we deliver our data centers is just as important as what we deliver. For Clinton, that means taking a responsible, community‑first approach that considers local priorities, protects shared resources and contributes lasting value.
We partner with local utilities to pay 100% of our own energy use so that costs related to our projects are not pushed onto ratepayers.
As industry leaders in water preservation, we’re proud to save billions of gallons of water annually. Our data centers use a closed-loop system that doesn’t consume water for cooling, once operational.
We will create good-paying jobs for local residents and partner with local businesses. This includes both construction jobs during development and long‑term roles once the facility is operational, with a focus on hiring locally whenever possible.
Our commitment to community doesn’t stop at the data center doors. We invest in the places we call home, generating long-term tax revenue that helps fund local priorities such as schools, infrastructure and local services identified by the community.
We believe in being open and honest. We will listen to your voice and share updates on our progress and work together to make decisions that matter. As plans move forward, we will share updates through this page and other community channels so residents know what to expect.
We are committed to being a partner in the communities where we live, work and operate. We’ve compiled the questions we’ve heard most often – covering the topics that matter most, including land use, water, energy, jobs and local taxes. As the project moves forward, we will continue to welcome questions and share updates.
A data center is a purpose-built building that stores a large amount of digital data. This data – and the applications used to create, process and share it – is housed in servers that reside within the data center. Data centers are vital hubs for businesses, governments and organizations that rely on technology.
There are many factors that QTS considers when looking at locations for data center development. Data centers require access to power, connectivity and a skilled workforce that not everywhere can provide. Another important factor is existing infrastructure that can support data center development, which this area already has established. Having infrastructure already in place significantly minimizes environmental and community disruption which is why we considered this site.
QTS Data Centers is investing in the future of Iowa with a proposed data center campus in Clinton.
An initial site plan will be available when submitted to the City of Clinton. As we are still in the very early planning stages, these site plan designs are not final.
We take pride in constructing buildings with aesthetic appeal in the communities where we operate. We have a track record of working with local communities to ensure our buildings meet local design standards.
Although we are still in the early planning stages, we plan to minimize visual impacts on neighboring properties through substantial buffers and setbacks. We will incorporate buffer screens to conceal equipment from view and utilize landscaping techniques such as berms to enhance aesthetics.
The project represents a transformative investment in Clinton’s future with a direct QTS investment to boost local growth and development.
It is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of full-time positions, supporting local families and businesses and partnering with local building trades unions.
These data center projects generate millions in local tax revenue annually, creating an opportunity to reduce tax burden for residents and support services and community programs.
This investment reflects our belief that responsible growth means shared prosperity for the communities where we live, operate and raise our families.
It is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of full-time positions, supporting local families and businesses and partnering with local building trades unions.
Beyond construction, data centers employ a wide range of onsite jobs across operations, project management, procurement, logistics, security and maintenance/technology.
Skillsets range from technical (electrical, mechanical, IT certifications) to administrative and security. Importantly, our Data Center Academy program provides paid training for individuals with no prior experience, creating a pathway to become a Critical Operations Technician.
We do not have a specific percentage goal; however, we will prioritize local hiring wherever possible. Through partnerships with local schools, technical colleges, and workforce programs, we aim for a significant portion of roles to be filled by residents.
Research shows that data centers can support long-term residential property values by strengthening local tax bases and improving school quality.
Data centers contribute millions of dollars each year in local property tax revenue while placing no additional demand on public schools. This creates what researchers call a “School Premium” effect—a fiscal surplus that allows communities to invest more in schools without raising residential taxes.
Because school district quality is the single strongest driver of home values in the U.S., these investments matter. Additional funding can support school facility upgrades, higher teacher pay, stronger academic programs, and improved school ratings—all of which make neighborhoods more desirable places to live.
In many communities, data center tax revenue has also helped stabilize or reduce residential tax rates, further supporting homeowner affordability and long-term value. By acting as a fiscal anchor for communities and helping fund high-performing schools, data centers help create the economic conditions that support stable and appreciating residential property values over time.
We understand why people are interested in the power needs of this project. What we can share is that the facilities are designed to operate within the existing planning, regulatory and utility requirements for the area. We are working directly with local utilities to ensure that our power needs do not impact the reliability of service for homes or businesses in Clinton County and the surrounding areas.
While we don’t disclose specific power capacity for security and confidentiality reasons, we can reassure the community that the project has gone through the appropriate reviews, and the local grid has confirmed it can reliably support the site. As the project develops, we remain committed to ongoing dialogue with the community and local leaders.
QTS will pay for all project energy infrastructure and there will be no cost impact to existing Alliant Energy customers as a result.
QTS aspires to source the maximum amount of carbon-free energy. In 2024, QTS achieved full utilization of carbon-free operational electricity across our facilities. We work closely with utility companies to identify innovative and sustainable ways to best serve the communities in which we operate in and the environment.
QTS data centers are built with a closed-loop cooling system that does not consume water for cooling, once operational.
Once the cooling system is up and running, municipal water will only be used for everyday building needs – like bathrooms, kitchens, cleaning and landscaping – just like any other commercial building. For a typical building, we use less than average water use by industrial standards, using water only for bathrooms, kitchens, irrigation and humidification. This usage is about what 4 households use a month.
The closed-loop system that cools the data hall uses only water. We will need to initially charge the system with a one-time fill. The total initial charging volume can vary widely based on a variety of factors including power capacity and facility design. Since we’re still early in the planning stage for this development, it’s hard to predict the exact amount of water needed.
Diesel generators are used for emergency backup purposes only and are not the main source of power for our data centers. Generators are tested once a month for a short period of time for routine maintenance. Our diesel storage tanks are double-walled and equipped with interstitial leak monitoring and containment systems to minimize noise and ensure environmental protection. Additionally, our generators come equipped with high-efficiency filters to protect air quality and reduce emissions. These filters help minimize air pollutants and noise levels to keep the community safe in the limited cases that backup generators are needed.
QTS will apply for an air permit to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR is the delegated permitting and enforcement arm, from the US EPA under the Clean Air Act, to ensure that air pollution is within acceptable levels.
A common misconception is that living near a data center poses increased health risks due to radiation. All buildings regardless of usage and occupancy emit electromagnetic radiation. In fact, data centers emit levels of electromagnetic radiation comparable to those of standard commercial or residential buildings. Extensive research has been conducted, and no evidence has been found to conclude that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields is harmful to health.
QTS has completed an acoustic analysis to ensure we comply with the proposed decibel thresholds and all local, state and federal noise emission regulations.
Our data centers are designed not to exceed permissible noise levels, and we implement a variety of sound mitigation strategies, including equipment enclosures, sound barriers and strategic grading and site layouts fit for each development.
QTS data center buildings are constructed to meet or exceed green building standards, which includes responsible lighting design. The lighting strategy will mitigate impact to wildlife and natural areas by implementing special lighting techniques. These include using directional lighting pointed downward and covered to reduce light pollution, lower wattage and brightness levels, motion sensors and automatic systems to avoid unnecessary lighting and landscaping to minimize light impact. All lighting plans will meet local and state code requirements.
While data centers are critical infrastructure, they are among the most secure and reliable facilities in technology.
QTS data centers are designed with multiple layers of physical, technical and environmental security controls including biometric access controls, 24/7 surveillance and advanced cybersecurity protocols.
QTS data centers use high-security fencing, often 8 to 12 feet tall. This fencing is made of steel and sometimes topped with barbed wire for added protection.
Yes. Entry points are limited and secured with gates controlled by badge access, biometric systems and security personnel.
Data centers are built for long-term use and are designed to evolve with technology. While the physical structure remains durable and well-maintained, the internal systems (servers, cooling, electrical) are upgraded to keep pace with innovation and efficiency standards.
The QTS approach is modular and scalable, meaning we can integrate new technologies without major reconstruction. This ensures the facility stays operational for decades.
QTS is committed to connecting with residents through a series of community meetings and events. These efforts are designed to keep everyone informed, answer questions, and encourage local involvement in the project.
Highlights include upcoming public events, chances to meet with QTS representatives, and ongoing open communication with city and school leaders. QTS is committed to transparency and ensuring the community has the information needed as the project moves forward.
We understand that these projects raise important questions and concerns, and we take them seriously. We’re committed to providing clear, timely updates through our FAQ page and ongoing communications.
Residents can reach us anytime via [email protected], our website comment form, or at upcoming community events.
This map shows the general area where QTS is exploring a potential data center facility in Clinton.
We are deeply committed to Iowa and its communities and we’re proud to contribute to the continued growth and success of the state. Check out our other Iowa data center campus.
QTS Data Centers provided funding to support the planting of 4,000 trees in Cedar Rapids in 2025 in partnership with Monarch Research through its Planting Forward native tree restoration initiative. Effort supports recovery from the 2020 derecho, strengthens local ecosystems and aligns with QTS’s $10 billion investment in Cedar Rapids.
Announcement marks the largest economic development investment in the City’s history, bringing hundreds of jobs to the region and significant investment in the community.
We partner with local leaders and organizations like Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Junior Achievement, and Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity to support initiatives that truly matter.
Your feedback shapes our work. If you live or work in Clinton, we welcome your perspective and questions at any stage of this process.
Looking for more context on how QTS builds and operates data centers in communities like Clinton?
