FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – City of Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. to host community information forum about local Google Data Center.
(See a statement from Google below)
The City says that it will hold a public forum this week to give more information on the new Google Data Center coming to Fort Wayne.
It is set for Thursday, December 11, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Grand Wayne Center, Anthony Wayne Ballroom A, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. In a press release, the City says that attendees will be able to submit questions to representatives at the forum.
The City released the following:
The City of Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. are hosting a community forum to provide information to the public about the local Google Data Center. The forum is informational only and is not a public hearing where any decisions will be made.
The forum is set for Thursday, December 11, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Grand Wayne Center Anthony Wayne Ballroom A, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. After an informational presentation from Google, Indiana Michigan Power and City Utilities representatives, attendees will be able to submit questions via their smartphones. Index cards and pencils will also be available for those who want to submit written questions. Greater Fort Wayne Inc. staff will review the questions, combine similar ones and then ask the appropriate person to respond.
The City and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. have a duty to maintain the safety of all attendees and presenters and will follow policies similar to what are used at City Council meetings.
Signs on poles, sticks, or other objects with the potential to pose a danger or harm to others are prohibited at this forum. Signs larger than 24″ x 24″ are prohibited without exception.
Signs, signage, banners or any similar item shall not be displayed in a manner that obstructs the view of other attendees at this meeting.
The affixing of signs, signage, banners or any similar item to any structure or part of the Grand Wayne Center is prohibited.
Flames and flammable materials are prohibited inside the Grand Wayne Center.
Loud, excessive, disruptive noise and/or the use of noisemaking devices are restricted at this forum.
The use of personal or privately-owned sound or voice amplification devices, including microphones, megaphones, and speakers, is prohibited.
Should a situation arise that is determined unsafe or disruptive, Grand Wayne Security and/or City of Fort Wayne Police officers may ask attendees involved to leave the event.
An ASL interpreter will be at the event to provide interpretation services.
Google put out the following ahead of the meeting:
Today, ahead of tonight’s community forum, Google announced its Fort Wayne data center is now operational, along with new energy, water and community programs, following its groundbreaking last year.
Google data centers serve as the physical infrastructure for everyday digital services people and businesses use everyday like Gemini, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Search, and Maps. The Fort Wayne campus joins a network of world-class data centers, powering both Google products and services, and Google Cloud customers, including Indiana Department of Transportation.
“Google is focused on ensuring this project translates into career-defining, high-tech jobs and making the necessary investments that ensure a successful relationship with the Fort Wayne community,” said Broderick Green, Google Data Center Public Affairs Manager. “We are appreciative of the open dialogue with the community and Fort Wayne leadership. As we mark this critical stage of development, we look forward to sharing key investments and infrastructure commitments in both our operational future and the long-term resilience of Fort Wayne.”
AI Infrastructure and Energy Resilience
Google’s Fort Wayne facility is now part of the company’s global network of data centers, which are the backbone of its AI capabilities and digital services. The company operates some of the industry’s most energy-efficient data centers and is committed to responsibly growing its infrastructure.
Together, Google and Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) are strengthening reliability and affordability for all electricity grid customers. Collaborative efforts include a new structure — called the capacity commitment framework — to ensure large industrial customers like Google cover their load without passing on costs to other ratepayers. Additionally, Google and I&M are deploying a demand response program to reduce power consumption associated with machine learning workloads during certain hours or times of the year to reduce strain on the electric grid.
The Fort Wayne campus is zoned for back-up generators, which will be engaged and used only in the case of an unlikely, catastrophic event causing operational disruption, or for periodic testing. For all day-to-day operations, our power needs will be supplied by the grid through I&M.
Enhancing Ecosystems and Water Infrastructure
Google is contributing over $1.2 million to the ACRES Land Trust to conserve 22 acres of wetlands in the Saint Joseph River watershed. ACRES will protect the wetlands and surrounding area, demonstrating a shared commitment to preserving vital ecosystems and ensuring the long-term health of local water resources.
Preserving this tract of land is expected to help maintain annual recharge of approximately 500 million gallons of water into the underlying aquifer. This substantial contribution to the groundwater supply is vital for community resilience, ensuring a sustainable source of clean water for the surrounding area.
“This contribution allows ACRES to permanently protect a vital tract of land in the Saint Joseph River area,” said Jason Kissel, ACRES Executive Director. “By securing this land forever, we are ensuring a long-term, natural source of clean water for our region. Any land ACRES protects is protected permanently, for the benefit of all.”
In addition to enhancing the local ecosystem, Google collaborates closely with local and state officials to ensure that all development plans are environmentally sound. The company recognizes the importance of wetlands and is dedicated to minimizing any potential environmental impact on the Google campus. Google is also funding the water infrastructure improvements needed for its new data center, supporting reliability and resilience of the local water system. This includes new pipelines and storage tanks that will be transferred to Fort Wayne City Utilities, making them a permanent public asset.
Supporting Fort Wayne’s Community and Next-Generation Workforce
Google has been meeting with community leaders to identify opportunities to lift up the important work happening across the county. This year, Google has contributed more than $175,000 to the East Allen County Schools and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
“Google Data Center has been a tremendous partner to East Allen County Schools. Their support has strengthened STEM opportunities for our junior high students, expanded resources for the East Allen Educational Foundation, and enhanced our Career and Technical Education programming,” said Marilyn Hissong, Superintendent of East Allen County Schools. “We are deeply grateful for their ongoing commitment to empowering our students, enriching our classrooms, and helping us prepare the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
Today’s announcement builds on the statewide workforce development and education programs Google announced this year:
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This year, Google provided funding for the electrical training ALLIANCE for three Indiana electrical apprenticeship training partners, including Fort Wayne Electrical JATC.
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Google recently partnered with Ivy Tech to host a competitive IT challenge for over 100 students, where the winners were awarded scholarships funded by Google to support their future in the industry, including their Fort Wayne campus.
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Google recently announced a partnership with Allen County Public Library to enhance the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research’s immersive projection experience.
Learn more about Google in Indiana at: g.co/economicimpact/indiana
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