WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – A proposed multi-billion-dollar data center backed by Oracle and OpenAI could be coming to Saline Township, Michigan, in what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called the state’s largest-ever economic project.
The massive development, spanning more than 250 acres, is expected to begin construction in early 2026. Township residents have their first opportunity to voice opinions about the proposed facility at a board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
DTE Energy, which will power the facility, is seeking to expedite the approval process, stating that construction must begin at the start of next year to secure the investment for Michigan.
The utility company maintains that despite the facility requiring enough energy to power more than a million homes, customer bills won’t be affected.
The project promises significant economic benefits for the region, including:
- 2,500 union construction jobs
- More than 450 permanent on-site positions
- Approximately 1,500 additional jobs across the county
Related Digital, the company developing the campus, has pledged $14 million in local incentives for Saline Township.
These incentives include funding for fire departments, a community investment fund, and a farmland preservation trust.
While the development is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area, some community members have expressed opposition to the project.
The township board meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m., is the first public comment session on the proposed data center.