Estherville, IA (northwestiowanow) — The Estherville City Council heard an informational presentation regarding the potential for a data center project Monday.

Gyles Uhlenhopp with PathOne said the company was contacted by individuals in the community about pursuing a possible project in Estherville.

Uhlenhopp said PathOne focuses on developing small-scale data centers in rural communities rather than the massive facilities often seen in larger metropolitan areas.

He said if a project were pursued in Estherville, it would likely be around 100,000 square feet, require approximately 25 megawatts of power, and employ between 15 and 25 people.

As data center development continues to expand across Iowa, Uhlenhopp said PathOne has designed its facilities to address common concerns.

Looking ahead, city officials are expected to consider regulations governing potential data center development. Uhlenhopp said the company intends to work with the city throughout that process.

City Administrator Penny Clayton reported that the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission plans to meet Thursday to begin discussing a potential data center ordinance.

The Estherville discussion comes less than a month after local officials, business leaders, and planning representatives gathered for a roundtable discussion with PathOne on potential data center development in Clay County.

No formal proposal has been submitted in Estherville, and Monday’s presentation was strictly informational.