Lewiston City Council to Vote on AI Data Center Proposal at Bates Mill

The City of Lewiston is set to vote on December 16 regarding a proposal for an artificial intelligence data center at Bates Mill No. 3, covering approximately 85,000 square feet. The project, developed by building owner Bill Johnson and MillCompute LLC, aims to generate over $700,000 annually in tax revenue and create 20 to 30 jobs, contingent on a Tax Increment Financing agreement.

The facility will be developed in two phases and will not draw power from the local grid, instead utilizing dormant supply and diesel generators for backup. Additionally, a natural gas co-generation system is planned to provide electricity for the data center.

Concerns about the energy-intensive nature of data centers have been raised, but city officials emphasize the economic benefits. The vote will establish a Joint Development Agreement for the public-private partnership.