Jamie Smith says 'intense regulation' should accompany Sioux Falls data center proposal
South Dakota state senator, mayoral candidate hosts forum on contentious issue
State Sen. Jamie Smith said Saturday that he is open to a data center in Sioux Falls, but only if it meets certain conditions.
Smith, who is running for mayor in this spring’s election, hosted a public forum at the Holiday Inn City Centre, which is located in his central Sioux Falls Senate district. About 75 people attended, most of them opponents of a data center that could be built in northeastern Sioux Falls.
Organizers collecting signatures to refer the City Council’s decision to rezone land to accommodate a data center were also on hand, and Smith encouraged people to sign if they wanted.
“I want you to know that I have signed that petition,” he said to applause. He added that he was hosting the event wearing “two hats” as a lawmaker and mayoral candidate.
Voters could see measure that places more restrictions on eminent domain
A House committee advanced a proposed constitutional amendment Thursday that would sharply limit the use of eminent domain for private development.
