LaPorte Common Council votes to annex farmland for data center expansion

(Photo Supplied/City of LaPorte) The LaPorte Common Council has voted to annex approximately 1,000 acres of farmland as part of an expanding data center project involving Microsoft. The annexed land is adjacent to a 500-acre site where Microsoft has already begun construction on six data center buildings. Plans now call for an additional 11 buildings, bringing the total to 17. City officials said the annexation request was initiated voluntarily by landowners. Microsoft has indicated the project will bring local jobs and artificial intelligence training programs through nonprofit partnerships. The company also stated it will cover infrastructure costs associated with the development, ensuring no increase in residents’ electric bills. However, LaPorte County Commissioner Joe Haney expressed concern about communication, noting the county learned of the annexation through a public notice rather than direct outreach. Haney said improved coordination is needed, particularly regarding potential impacts on water resources, infrastructure, and quality of life.