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The Jasper County Commissioners approved NIPSCO's request to rezone five parcels at the Schahfer Plant in Wheatfield from agricultural to industrial. This approval facilitates the construction of a combined cycle gas turbine plant and a gas peaker plant, with additional plans for a potential data center.

The approval followed new detailed presentations from NIPSCO after an unfavorable recommendation from the Jasper County Plan Commission in December. The commissioners expressed satisfaction with NIPSCO's plans to use the land appropriately for industrial purposes.

They emphasized that while the data center project is not guaranteed, it opens discussions for future negotiations. NIPSCO is required to meet nine commitments related to any data center development, addressing community concerns over water usage, noise, and environmental impact. Supporters argue the investment will boost the local economy and create high-tech jobs.