Wayne County Overrides Evans Veto on Google Data Center Tax Breaks

Advancing tax incentives after the state approved a conditioned 20-year power deal, the vote still leaves development agreements and permits outstanding.

Overview

The Wayne County Commission voted 13-0 to override County Executive Warren Evans' veto on Thursday, reinstating previously negotiated tax abatements for the proposed Van Buren Township data center.
Commissioners stressed the override does not authorize construction or a final development agreement and additional local approvals are required before building can begin.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved DTE Electric's 20-year energy contract tied to the project with conditions that require Google to cover most electricity use and fund large renewable and battery builds to protect other customers.
Township documents say the 230-acre 'Project Cannoli' would include three data center buildings and could use about 2 million to 3.6 million gallons of water per day when fully operating, with water to be purchased from the township.
Supporters cite jobs and union opportunities and local revenue gains while the county executive and nearby residents complain the process moved too fast and raised concerns about public input, environmental impacts and long-term costs.