This Nuclear Weapon Data Center Exposes Michigan’s Trust Problem
The state awarded millions to the Los Alamos National Laboratory project in Ypsilanti Township before residents even got to say a thing
After months of public pushback over a controversial data center in Saline, another fight is escalating in Washtenaw County over a proposed data center and national-security computing project that would link University of Michigan with Los Alamos National Laboratory and potential nuclear weapons research.
The Los Alamos–U-M project did not create Michigan’s trust problem with taxpayer-funded megasite projects. It exposed how deep it already runs.
Township Attorney Wm. Douglas Winters summed up the public confusion surrounding the project: “If you didn’t see this, you probably would think we’re making this up.”
The project was announced and described in December of 2024 as two separate “computing centers”—one small center for “research and development” by the University of Michigan faculty and students, and another one for “federally funded research related to national security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, energy security solutions, and more, led by Los Alamos National Laboratory.”
Los Alamos is not just another research partner. It is the federal laboratory that helped build the atomic bomb and now plays a central role in maintaining and modernizing the U.S. nuclear stockpile.
“I’m terrified of what would happen if it comes here,” said Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo. Not only have residents expressed concerns about energy costs, water usage, and environmental impacts, but the potential link to nuclear development makes this project especially concerning.
The project is funded by $850 million from the University of Michigan, $300 million from Los Alamos or related federal sources, and $100 million in state support or incentives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Michigan’s economic development strategy has become a repeatable playbook—and communities are starting to recognize the steps:
- Quiet negotiations with state agencies and developers, often involving NDAs.
- Announcements framed as transformational, significant economic development investments that will bring jobs and revitalize communities.
- Tax incentives and subsidies are often baked into the deals. The Los Alamos Project has more tax incentives and subsidies than usual. Not only will the project potentially qualify for suspended sales and use tax at the expense of schools, but properties owned by the University of Michigan do not pay local taxes.
- Local communities are brought in after the fact. In the case of Los Alamos, Ypsilanti Township was notified via text message after the deal had closed.
- Resistance emerges. On March 31, the Ypsilanti Township Board unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the project and on April 7, Ypsilanti Township sent a resolution to federal, state, and local authorities opposing the project. Ypsilanti Township officials say more action is coming, including potential legal or procedural steps.
- Projects often collapse long after the money has been spent. In the case of a battery factory project in Big Rapids, a controversial CCP-linked battery factory is now in default of a $24 million land purchase. We can’t say for sure whether or not the Los Alamos project will proceed, but how much taxpayer money has already been spent on the deal?
Until the state changes the way it pursues economic development—less secrecy, fewer insider deals, no corporate subsidies and tax breaks for corporations, greater local control, and transparent public benefits—Michigan’s Economic Meltdown will continue.
