ROCHESTER, Mich. (WWJ) -- Oakland University is one step closer to an on-campus data center.
The school's Board of Trustees voted 7-0 -- with one abstention -- to bring the project into the "due diligence" phase.
The university will now conduct studies to asses any risks to infrastructure, the environment, and school finances.
Treasurer for the Board Steven Mackey said the university can't sit by and wait any longer:
"We can't do nothing," Mackey said, at a public meeting. "And you've heard from one of our faculty members, one of our ex-grad students, that the cost of inaction is not bearable. It's an unacceptable risk."
"And our existing infrastructure not only has to be replaced — as you've heard it's over 20 years old at this point — it also has to be expanded, and we don't have the physical footprints to do this."
Supporters for the data center made the case that such a facility would give computer science and medical students updated and essential infrastructure to conduct research.
One trustee noted that, if this doesn't happen, the university would certainly miss out on recruiting opportunities
Data centers are large facilities that store and process the digital data powering the internet and AI. They are controversial due to their massive electricity and water consumption, which strains public grids and local resources.
In Michigan, a surge of proposed projects — fueled by state tax incentives — has sparked a fierce backlash, prompting local development bans and legislative efforts to restrict their growth.
The OU board said members do take concerns about the environment and noise disruption seriously, which will be part of the planned due diligence studies.
