On Monday, the city of Madison approved the first reading of an ordinance that would rezone two parcels of city owned land just north of highway 34. The rezoning, from highway business to light manufacturing, is the next step in a process that could bring a data mining facility to Madison. 

The ordinance had earlier been approved by the planning commission on a 4-2 vote, and then was tabled two weeks ago by the city commission. 

The area, which is just shy of 4 acres in size, sits roughly north of Buffalo Ridge Concrete. 

The city is looking at the possibility of a 10 megawatt data center for that location. The total power usage by the city currently is roughly 15 megawatts. During Monday’s meeting, city administrator Jameson Berreth said the city could add the additional load, and still have room for growth. 

The city commission approved the first reading with a 5-0 vote. The ordinance will be back in front of commissioners in two weeks for a second reading.