MTFD yet to receive unexpected data center payment

by Sara Swanson

Last October Saline Township, the development firm Related Digital, and three landowners reached an agreement that meant that a large data center could be built along US 12. One aspect of the agreement was that fire departments who would respond in the case of a fire would receive payments. Saline Township Fire Department would receive $7 million. Manchester Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Clinton Township Fire Department would receive $500,000 each. 

This came as a surprise to Manchester Township Fire Department who had heard nothing about this before it was announced in the news coverage, and 8 months later they still have heard nothing. Fire Chief Kouba stated that neither the fire department nor Manchester Township has been given any information regarding the funds. Saline Township doesn’t have any more information. Kelly Marion, Saline township clerk, stated that they do not have a timeline for when the funds will be sent and do not know who will be sending the funds, Related Digital or Oracle.

We reached out to Related Digital but did not receive a response. 

So for now at least, the surprise data center money headed for the fire department has yet to materialize.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.