May 28, 2026
Dear Clinton (Iowa) Community,
In this letter, I hope to address some of your concerns as an economic development professional and, hopefully, shed light on Grow Clinton’s position on data center development. I apologize in advance for the length of my message; I find it difficult to be brief when I am passionate about the topic.
As an economic development organization, Grow Clinton has a responsibility to present all viable development opportunities to our community and elected officials. We follow a consistent and deliberate process for every project, regardless of size or industry, by ensuring decision-makers have access to accurate information, expert resources, and opportunities to engage directly with developers before determining whether a project aligns with our community’s goals.
Over the past two years, Grow Clinton has engaged with several data center developers interested in locating in Clinton. Early discussions, not involving elected leadership, included hyperscale developers that ultimately did not move forward due to Grow Clinton’s concerns about financial capacity and experience. In February 2026, QTS entered the conversation, identifying a potential site with proper zoning on the west end of Clinton, north of U.S. Highway 30.
Unlike prior inquiries, QTS brings both the financial strength and operational experience necessary to advance a project of this scale. Since that time, they have conducted surveying and front-end engineering work to evaluate the site’s feasibility. These actions are anticipated in every development project, whether commercial, residential, or, in this case, industrial.
We are now at a stage where broader public discussion is necessary. As with all major projects, Grow Clinton initially operates under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). These agreements are standard practice in economic development and allow companies to evaluate sites responsibly without risking premature disclosure that could impact business operations, market position, or existing employees. In this case, the NDA period lasted approximately four months, one of the shortest I have experienced in over a decade of serving the Clinton community. Only recently was I authorized to introduce the development to our elected leadership and the public. This step does not translate into a lack of transparency, as it is common practice.
Public interest and concern are both expected and important. However, discussions must be grounded in verified information. Grow Clinton has provided elected officials with direct access to subject-matter experts who can address technical questions and infrastructure considerations. These include ITC Midwest for electric transmission, Alliant Energy for electric and natural gas distribution, Iowa American Water Company for water supply, and the City of Clinton for wastewater systems. QTS has also demonstrated a willingness to engage transparently by sharing project data, outlining timelines, and offering tours of comparable facilities to community-elected and appointed leadership, including its site in Cedar Rapids.
All communities face uncertainty when evaluating large-scale developments. As leaders, it is important to distinguish between speculation and substantiated facts. A useful perspective comes from Cedar Rapids leadership, who have noted that if past projects had been dismissed solely based on early concerns or incomplete information, their community would not benefit from the industries that today support thousands of jobs and generate significant economic activity.
Clinton’s own history reflects this reality. Major employers such as Clinton Sugar Refining (1906), the Equistar Chemicals facility (1966), and Ralston Purina (1969) were once new and uncertain developments. Today, they are vital to our local economy.
Choosing to oppose a project before fully understanding it limits the ability to make sound decisions. However, a thorough and informed review, regardless of the outcome, demonstrates responsible leadership and respect for the community.
Economic development is complex, and consensus is not always achievable. Grow Clinton remains committed to facilitating a transparent process, connecting stakeholders with reliable information, and ensuring that all perspectives are considered. As we move forward, this will include continued collaboration with QTS, utility partners, elected officials, and the public. Community engagement will be a key component of this process, and all will have the chance to make their voice heard.
Grow Clinton’s role is to ensure that opportunities are properly evaluated and that developers are given the chance to demonstrate their ability to contribute as responsible corporate partners. In doing so, we aim to support informed decision-making and the long-term economic vitality of the Greater Clinton Region.
I trust that the information provided creates clarity and an understanding of our position.
Sincerely,
Andy Sokolovich
President & CEO, Grow Clinton
asokolovich@growclinton.com
721 S. 2nd Street, Clinton, Iowa 52732
O: (563) 242-5702