The City of Norwalk is continuing annexation and infrastructure planning tied to a large land development project often referred to as a data center site, though City Manager Luke Nelson says no specific data center project has been confirmed.

The development is part of a roughly 300-acre annexation directly adjacent to Norwalk’s current city limits. Nelson said the annexation has completed the required hearings and is now moving forward to the Iowa City Development Board for final authorization. Nelson tells KNIA News this process is similar to residential development, where land is prepared before any buildings are constructed.

“It’s not actually a data center at this point. We’re working with a company that prepares land for data centers. So if there is a particular project lined up, we have not yet been notified of that. It’s kind of like us working with a Hubbell, they’re getting ready to develop land, put in streets, water, sewer to prepare for homes to be built.”

A separate annexation effort involving approximately 2,900 acres stretching from Norwalk to Interstate 35 remains under appeal by a property owner. Nelson said that the project is in a different phase and is not directly tied to the immediate land preparation efforts. Norwalk city officials say they prepare the land positions for potential future development while ensuring infrastructure is in place to support growth in the area.

The full interview with Norwalk City Manager Luke Nelson can be heard below: