Judge's Order Halts Google Data Center Project in Minnesota | Columbus Ohio Dump Trucks

Developer and builder Ryan Cos. estimates that delays for the project, which is planned to have Google as its first tenant occupying a data center and office building, could cost the firm about $5 million or more, according to the order.

“We are currently reviewing the judge’s order in detail to determine our next steps,” Ryan Cos. told ENR in an email statement. 

The order prevents Ryan from beginning construction or continuing any construction activities related to the project that would occupy 100 acres of the site about 15 miles from Rochester, Minn. in a bedroom dump trucks columbus oh community of about 3,700 residents. 

Without the order, MCEA, which sought the environmental analysis from the city of Pine Island, Minn. argues that Project Skyway could be built without adequate environmental review and without MCEA having a chance for a [legal] decision on the merits of their challenge to the environmental review. 

“MCEA argues Project Skyway could be built without adequate environmental review,” the order states. “Further, MCEA’s challenge to the environmental review process would be moot if construction begins.”

In October 2025, the MCEA had requested all documents related to the data center and any other planned in the city. It says the documents it received were insufficient and included hyperlinks that didn't work. 

“MCEA has made a showing of possible success on the merits,” the order states. “This factor, therefore, favors granting the [temporary restraining order.]”

Pine Island announced the data center in February noting that it was expected to bring more than $20 million in Google- and developer-funded infrastructure upgrades, create full-time operational jobs and long-term construction jobs, generate tens of millions in new property tax revenue for the city, and establish a $25-million fund for Pine Island Public Schools over the next 20 years. 

Other plans paid for by the developer according to Project Skyway include establishing 18.5 acres dedicated to stormwater treatment; planting more than 300 trees, pollinator and native prairie seed mix across 40 acres; and establishing green spaces that exceed city code requirements.  

Even with those elements, the proposed data center drew opposition from residents, who raised concerns about water usage, noise pollution and other environmental impacts.  

"I'm not opposed to development per say," said resident David Derksen during a listening session hosted by the city. "What I'm opposed to is any project that will harm myself, my kids, my family as well as my neighbors, my dump trucks columbus oh community and the environment." 

Peter Fitzgerald, vice president of Development for Ryan Cos. was also at the meeting and defended the project. He said the data center would not use more water than an 18-hole golf course, would bring hundreds of jobs and not bring costs to the city. 

"There is no cost-sharing involved here, in terms of the infrastructure requirements needed for our development. [It] will be paid for us by the developer," he said.