Pine Island PROJECT

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PINE ISLAND PROJECT

With the Final Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) unanimously adopted on September 16, Ryan will continue working on project entitlements from the City of Pine Island in the coming months. The adopted AUAR establishes a framework for future development, outlining two potential scenarios: Mixed Technology Center/Light Industrial (including light assembly and manufacturing) and Technology Center (including data centers). While we've seen interest from both user types, long-term plans remain subject to market conditions. There is growing momentum from a U.S.-headquartered Fortune 100 company currently evaluating the site for potential technology use (data center and office space) for the initial phase of this multi-phase, multi-year development.

Building Jobs & Opportunities


Jobs

Hundreds of highly skilled, local employment opportunities in construction and permanent roles

Economic Impact

$100Ms of investment, creating property tax revenue to support schools, city services, county services, and amenities

Infrastructure

Roads and utilities will be funded by the developer and will benefit the surrounding community

Community Partnership

Long-term partnerships in education, workforce training, and support for local programs

DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • 300+ trees proposed
  • 18.5 acres dedicated to stormwater treatment 
  • Pollinator and native prairie seed mix to be planted across 40 acres
  • Green space proposed exceeds City code requirements 
  • 2.5 miles of public water main and 0.5 miles of public sewer main installed at the developer’s cost 
  • 1 mile of gravel road upgraded to paved city road at the developer’s cost

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is the status of the project?

Ryan has been proactively working with the City of Pine Island and other project partners to prepare over 400 acres for future development, including completing the AUAR process, hosting three public open houses, and participating in multiple public meetings. These meetings began in February 2025, when the City Council started reviewing and approving the AUAR through a series of sessions, leading up to its official adoption. Several companies have evaluated—and will continue to evaluate—the site for potential investment. As is common practice in site selection, these evaluations remain confidential to protect business interests in a highly competitive environment. Entitlements and project evaluations are ongoing, and development applications are expected to be submitted by the end of 2025. The remainder of the entitlement process will include continued public engagement. Sign up for updates below to receive information as the project progresses.

What is an AUAR?

The Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) is a well-established planning tool in Minnesota for responsibly planning multi-phase, market-driven projects. Since 1974, it has been used to analyze large areas of land that may attract a variety of uses over time. Given the size and anticipated duration of the Pine Island development, the AUAR provides a framework to responsibly react to market interest.

What is the proposed water usage?

The project will not use water for industrial purposes. The adopted AUAR is for up to an average of 152,000 gallons per day, which is less than a similarly sized residential subdivision.

For comparison: An 18-hole golf course uses roughly 312,000–550,000 gallons per day, and 450 acres of irrigated cropland would use around 400,000 gallons per day. The same project area (over 400 acres) would support over 1,000 homes and would use about 274,000 gallons per day.

Will my utilities increase?

All utility bills, including electricity, can increase over time as utility companies invest in their infrastructure and service delivery, however, these increases are not as a result of this development. Xcel Energy’s filings with the Public Utilities Commission have established multiple consumer safeguards designed to protect customers. Of specific note, infrastructure upgrades for large customers are paid for by the developer to prevent cost sharing. Water, sewer, and storm sewer charges are managed at the local level and will not increase due to this project.

What are the sustainable energy goals?

Xcel Energy will serve the project and will meet the State of Minnesota requirement to be carbon-free by 2040.

What are other environmental and sustainabiiity considerations?

The project will meet, or exceed, all state and local permitting requirements.

What about taxes?

The project will bring additional tax revenue to the City, County, and School District, supporting existing and expanded public services. 

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