A proposed advanced computing campus in Washtenaw County, Michigan, has sparked significant opposition among local officials. The $1.25 billion facility, which has ties to New Mexico, is set to include a 230,000-square-foot federal research center, a 50,000-square-foot space for nonclassified research, and an electrical substation. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028, under a partnership between the University of Michigan and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
The project aims to advance computing technologies, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, and is backed by a five-year, $15 million research contract initiated in 2024. Supporters highlight the potential for creating hundreds of research and construction jobs, alongside vital advancements in national security, health, and energy sectors.
Despite these promises, local officials in Ypsilanti, where the campus is expected to be located, are voicing their concerns. The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution in August 2023 urging the University of Michigan and LANL to reconsider the project’s site. Following this, the Ypsilanti City Council issued its own resolution opposing the campus in late October 2023, expressing unease about its implications for nuclear weapons development.
The financial framework for the $1.25 billion project includes $300 million from LANL, a $100 million state grant, and $220 million in direct funding from the university. The University of Michigan is also tasked with facilitating the financing of the remaining $630 million. According to Kay Jarvis, Director of Public Affairs at the University of Michigan, this partnership is expected to enhance the institution’s research capabilities and tackle complex challenges such as cybersecurity and clean energy solutions.
While proponents see the potential benefits, the opposition remains focused on several pressing issues. Local organizer Vidhya Aravind highlights concerns surrounding the classified nature of some aspects of the research. The lack of transparency regarding environmental impacts and water usage has further fueled apprehensions. Data centers of this scale typically require considerable cooling systems, which can significantly affect local water and power resources.
Furthermore, Aravind points to the broader implications of multiple data center projects being considered across Michigan. “It is becoming a statewide issue that needs state-level change,” she stated. The community’s concerns echo ongoing debates in New Mexico and elsewhere regarding the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and their associated risks.
The University of Michigan operates under unique regulatory conditions, having exemptions from local zoning codes. Jarvis confirmed that the university is currently assessing two sites for the project, with the final decision to be made jointly with LANL. The community remains vigilant, as local opposition grows against what many perceive as a lack of oversight and transparency in the planning process.
As discussions continue, the fate of the computing campus will depend on balancing the promise of technological advancement with the community’s need for environmental security and public accountability.
