For Immediate Release — June 12, 2026
Second Comment Period Opens for Google Data Center
Hermantown, Minn. – The City of Hermantown opened the second public comment period regarding the proposed Google data center campus on June 12, 2026. This comment period focuses on the Draft Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) and its associated Mitigation Plan.
The AUAR study area includes 26 parcels totaling approximately 278 acres in the southwest corner of Hermantown. This study area is a smaller geographic footprint and scale than the initial AUAR study adopted in October of 2025. The City of Hermantown and Google jointly agreed to an updated AUAR study with current information allowing for greater specificity.
An AUAR is a state-authorized tool utilized to understand how different development scenarios may affect the environment before development occurs. A multi-step process, an AUAR also includes mitigation plans mandating how a development will manage environmental impacts, as well as multiple public comment periods.
The Draft AUAR, Mitigation Plan, and associated documents can be viewed on the project-specific webpage on the City’s website: www.hermantownmn.com/project
The 30-day comment period on the scoping document will close July 16, 2026.
Comments should be submitted to:
Eric Johnson, Community Development Director
5105 Maple Grove Road
Hermantown, MN 55811
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For more information, contact Joe Wicklund, Communications Director, City of Hermantown, at [email protected] or 218.729.3600