Oregon: $100 million data center plan in Columbia River Gorge 'discontinued'
Jul 25, 2023 | Posted by MadalineDunn
In Oregon, Cascade Locks port authority has announced the decision to discontinue Roundhouse Digital Infrastructure's $100 million data center project in the Columbia River Gorge. The startup had planned to build a 10MW data center targeting "niche government and energy industry" clients. However, local residents pushed back over energy usage concerns. Some predictions forecast that the facility would consume roughly twice as much electricity as the town's current households and businesses combined.
The local mayor Cathy Fallon also reportedly shared concerns about the development and stated publicly that the new facility would raise the cost of electricity for the city and means that the city would be contractually obligated to continue paying that level, even if the facility data center closed.
The Port of Cascade Locks announced the following statement last week: "The Port of Cascade Locks and Roundhouse Inc, after careful consideration, jointly announce the decision to discontinue the data center project that was previously announced."
"Both parties acknowledge the community feedback and understand the complexity and challenges surrounding the situation."
"While the project held promise, it became evident that the level of community support required for its successful implementation was not achieved," the authority said.
Further, it said that while it remains open to exploring alternative avenues for collaboration, no plans currently exist between the two parties.
The Port Authority said the decision to discontinue the project was "not a reflection" on any party involved, but a "recognition of the project's incompatibility with the community's current sentiments". However, it has been well-publicized that certain parties have taken issue with CEO Stephen King's involvement, due to previous dealings allegedly leading to legal action.
Mayor Fallon even previously stated: "The bottom line is anything that Stephen King says you can't take it for the truth. Some of what he says could be true, but you don't know because he lacks credibility."
Found at 1400 NE Columbia Gorge Way, Flex Six totals around 44,000 sq ft (4,100 sqm), and would have been the location of the company's first phase, requiring 4MW; phase two, meanwhile, would have taken place on a nearby 10-acre empty lot, requiring 7MW.
The local mayor Cathy Fallon also reportedly shared concerns about the development and stated publicly that the new facility would raise the cost of electricity for the city and means that the city would be contractually obligated to continue paying that level, even if the facility data center closed.
The Port of Cascade Locks announced the following statement last week: "The Port of Cascade Locks and Roundhouse Inc, after careful consideration, jointly announce the decision to discontinue the data center project that was previously announced."
"Both parties acknowledge the community feedback and understand the complexity and challenges surrounding the situation."
"While the project held promise, it became evident that the level of community support required for its successful implementation was not achieved," the authority said.
Further, it said that while it remains open to exploring alternative avenues for collaboration, no plans currently exist between the two parties.
The Port Authority said the decision to discontinue the project was "not a reflection" on any party involved, but a "recognition of the project's incompatibility with the community's current sentiments". However, it has been well-publicized that certain parties have taken issue with CEO Stephen King's involvement, due to previous dealings allegedly leading to legal action.
Mayor Fallon even previously stated: "The bottom line is anything that Stephen King says you can't take it for the truth. Some of what he says could be true, but you don't know because he lacks credibility."
Found at 1400 NE Columbia Gorge Way, Flex Six totals around 44,000 sq ft (4,100 sqm), and would have been the location of the company's first phase, requiring 4MW; phase two, meanwhile, would have taken place on a nearby 10-acre empty lot, requiring 7MW.