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Pekin, Illinois, is moving forward with plans for a massive technology park, developed by Western Hospitality Partners, which will include corporate offices, data centers, and AI computing space on 321 acres of former farmland. The project, expected to bring over 100 jobs and $20 million in new annual property tax revenue, is seen by city officials as a significant economic boost.

However, residents express concerns over potential increases in electricity and water bills due to high consumption from data centers and the loss of farmland. Construction is anticipated to start in two to three years, with a five-year completion timeline.

Meanwhile, the data center industry is advocating for changes to Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), which they argue poses challenges for development. The legislation has faced scrutiny from both the tech industry and privacy advocates, indicating ongoing tensions regarding data center expansions in downstate communities.