The Town of Wiscasset has recently been contacted by a site assessor regarding the possibility of locating a data center on town-owned property on Old Ferry Road, adjacent to the electrical grid infrastructure of the former Maine Yankee Atomic Power Plant. At this point, it is merely an idea in its earliest stages. No formal proposal has been made, no offer to purchase the property has been made, and no commitments have been agreed to. The Selectboard has not taken any action or reached any decisions, as it does not have nearly enough information to reach any conclusions. It has only been listening.

The location was suggested due to Wiscasset’s existing legacy electrical infrastructure from the Maine Yankee days, a feature that makes our community unique, but does not, in itself, create a project. It has not even been formally determined whether the infrastructure can handle the project or if the region has sufficient electrical generation capacity for such a project. This site is attractive due to the reliability of the electric infrastructure located here.

If a project could take shape, it would be a game-changer for the region. Data centers are valued in the billions of dollars, and the potential tax revenue would likely be on par with the former Maine Yankee plant.

The Selectboard felt that it would be a disservice to the taxpayers and residents of the town to dismiss the idea out of hand without gathering more information on the possibilities, as well as the pros and cons.

Should the concept move forward, it will involve extensive regulatory review, local permits, public input, and careful consideration of all potential impacts. Most importantly, if there is ultimately any decision to be made, it will rest with the voters of Wiscasset.

We recognize that new proposals often raise questions and concerns. Please know that, at this time, there is no project, only an initial inquiry. The process ahead, if it proceeds at all, will be open and guided by the community.