LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer submitted public comment to the Michigan Public Service Commission outlining her support for the multi-billion-dollar OpenAI Stargate project, which will be the largest business investment in Michigan’s history. The project, developed by Oracle and Related Digital, will create more than 2,500 union construction jobs, more than 450 jobs on site, and 1,500 more across the county. The governor highlighted commitments from the companies to protect ratepayers, design a plan to respect Michigan’s water and natural resources, and follow the state’s strong environmental protection laws. 

“Michigan has always been a leader in building the next big thing. 

“The reality is that data centers are going to be a big part of America’s future. The question isn’t whether they will be built, but rather: Can Michigan benefit from these jobs and build data centers in a smarter way while upholding our strong environmental laws to protect our precious natural resources? We have an opportunity to do both. We can set an example for the rest of the nation on how to build these facilities the right way and grow our economy at the same time. 

“This project will create 2,500 good-paying union construction jobs, more than 450 permanent good-paying jobs on site, and 1,500 more in the community. That means more diners in local restaurants and more shoppers at the local grocery store or small businesses, growing the local economy. It also means millions more in funding for local schools and local roads to help students thrive and save drivers time and money, as well as direct investments in local fire departments. 

“I am proud that Michigan was chosen for this project because of our strong workforce and talent base, as well as our competitive business environment. Thousands of union construction workers will build this project and thousands more graduates of our public universities, including the University of Michigan, will be able to find cutting-edge, high-tech jobs right here in Michigan because of this investment. 

“As Michiganders, we take pride in our environment and natural resources. I would only ever support a project that meets the state’s highest environmental standards. That’s why we worked with these companies to ensure that the data center they’re designing—one of the most advanced ones ever built—will protect Michigan’s air, water, and land. The facility will not use any more water than a typical office building because it will have a closed-loop, air cooling system instead of one that uses a lot more water. The facility will also preserve hundreds of acres of farmland, wetlands, and open space to maintain the surrounding area for future generations to enjoy.  

“We are also working together to ensure that electricity rates do not go up because of this project. DTE already supplies the energy this facility needs and Oracle will fund any additional upgrades to the grid out of their own pocket, consistent with Michigan law.  

“Right now, time is of the essence. There is a shortage of global computing capacity, and China is moving aggressively to build their own centers and get a leg up on America. At the same time, other states are moving fast too, competing against Michigan to land similar projects with far less oversight. This is a matter of national security and economic competitiveness, and if we do not act, it will cost us thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment in our economy.  

“Let’s reject false choices as we work together to create thousands of good-paying jobs AND protect our environment AND outcompete other states and nations. Let’s get it done.” 

Project Details 

The OpenAI Stargate project will be one of the most advanced AI infrastructure facilities in the U.S., especially when it comes to its efficient use of land, water, and power. The project will not require any additional power generation to operate, uses a closed-loop, air cooling system that will not require any additional water from our Great Lakes, and preserves more than 700 acres of open space that will be retained as farmland, wetland, and forest. An MDOT traffic study awarded the project an ‘A’ and found that it will have minimal effects on local traffic. Related Digital will also be investing an additional $14 million, as requested by the Saline Township Board, in local fire departments, a community investment fund, and farmland preservation trust. 

Michigan was selected for the project because of the state’s strong construction and tech workforce, capable of both building and operating the facility. Another key factor was bipartisan legislation Governor Whitmer signed to lower the cost of building high-tech AI infrastructure. Additionally, proximity to two of the state’s premier universities, the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, offers a pipeline of local talent and an opportunity for young Michiganders to start their in-demand, high-paying careers in Michigan.  

A link to the governor’s comments can be found here.