ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council is expected to consider a resolution Monday that would authorize a development agreement with Midwest Power Investors LLC for a proposed data center project on land north of Steward Road, west of the BNSF railway and south of Interstate 88. The agreement outlines a phased project that begins with electrical upgrades, water and sewer infrastructure, and roadway improvements funded by the developer, with electrical work capped at $4.1 million for Phase I and additional costs covered by the company. The city would provide up to 48 megawatts of power after upgrades are complete, while the developer must purchase electricity from the city until costs are recovered. The project also includes infrastructure improvements along Steward Road and requires the developer to cover increased transmission and capacity costs. Future phases could expand the facility to more than 150 megawatts with additional agreements involving the city and ComEd. City officials said the project could bring more than $1 million in annual revenue to Rochelle Municipal Utilities, about $400,000 in utility tax revenue, and added property tax revenue for local taxing bodies. The agreement also sets standards for site appearance and noise control and restricts development north of Interstate 88. The measure could be approved following discussion at Monday’s meeting.
