FAQs
Will the project raise my electric bill?
No. The project is designed to pay for the power infrastructure it needs.
The campus will be served by Wabash Valley Power Alliance and NineStar Connect, both not for profit, member owned electric cooperatives.
The project will fund the new electrical infrastructure required to serve the campus, including approximately $125 million in transmission improvements.
Power for the campus will also come through a structure that requires the future tenant to cover the costs associated with the electricity, generation and capacity it needs.
The goal is simple: existing customers should not have to pay for the project’s power needs.
Will taxpayers pay for roads or electrical infrastructure for the project?
The project will fund the electrical infrastructure needed to serve the campus.
That includes an estimated $125 million in transmission infrastructure.
The developer will also work with Hancock County on extending Aurora Way through the property and coordinating road improvements with construction.
Will the project drain the community’s water supply?
No. The cooling system is closed loop and air cooled.
Once the campus is operating, the cooling system continuously recirculates the same fluid instead of constantly drawing new water.
Normal daily water use is expected to come primarily from things like:
Restrooms
Sinks
Humidification
Landscaping
The project will use public water and will not use groundwater wells.
Average daily water use is expected to be about 9,200 gallons.
Even the projected peak day of about 26,300 gallons assumes several different uses are at their highest levels at the same time, which normally does not happen.
Is the project close to homes?
The campus is not next to a residential neighborhood.
The nearest home is more than:
2,400 feet from the property line
The nearest residential subdivision is approximately:
Half a mile away
The property is located in an area already planned and zoned for industrial development.
How many jobs will the project create?
Construction will support up to 1,500 skilled trade jobs at peak.
That includes jobs for electricians, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, ironworkers and other skilled trades during the phased construction period.
Once operating, the campus is expected to employ approximately:
100 to 150 permanent employees
These positions are expected to include skilled and higher wage technical and operational jobs.
The project will also support additional jobs through local contractors, suppliers and vendors.
How much money will Hancock County receive?
The project could provide up to approximately $22 million per year at full buildout.
The proposed agreement provides a guaranteed annual payment based on the amount of completed building space.
The project also proposes:
A $22.2 million advance payment
This one time payment would help provide revenue to the County before the campus reaches full buildout.
Payments that stay with the property
Future owners would remain responsible for the same payment obligations.
A long term source of local revenue
Payments begin as buildings are completed and placed into service.
More local revenue. Less daily traffic. Limited ongoing water use. Privately funded infrastructure.
The Mt. Comfort Technology Campus is designed to provide Hancock County with a major new source of investment and revenue while placing relatively low day to day demand on roads, water and County services.