For Immediate Release — March 31, 2026
Scoping Document Comment Period Opens for Google Data Center
Hermantown, Minn. – The City of Hermantown opened the public comment period on an updated scoping document associated with the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for the proposed Google data center campus on March 31, 2026.
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 scoping document 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 April 30, 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