By Raychael Moseley / Managing Editor

Marshall Municipal Utilities is in early discussions with an artificial intelligence developer about a possible data center project in Marshall. 

MMU General Manager Jeff Bergstrom told the Board of Public Works during its bi-monthly meeting Wednesday, August. 9, that he recently met with an AI developer to discuss a potential project and the utility infrastructure that would be required. 

The project remains in the early stages, with Bergstrom saying he still has information to provide to the developer before discussions move forward. 

Among the costs discussed was an estimated $2.5 million substation addition that would be needed for the project. Bergstrom also discussed requiring the developer to provide a deposit based on utility usage. 

The identity of the developer, potential location and a construction timeline were not disclosed during the meeting. 

Bergstrom said discussions are continuing and that the BPW could eventually have to determine whether it wants a data center development in Marshall. 

“It would definitely be a benefit for the community if done right,” Bergstrom said. 

Bergstrom also said interest from developers is not limited to Marshall 

“They’re knocking on everybody’s door,” Bergstrom said. 

No decision on the potential development has been made. Bergstrom said discussions with the developer will continue as MMU determines what would be required for the project to move forward.