The University of Michigan's plans for a high-performance computing facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Ypsilanti Township are in flux, with the Textile Road site seemingly off the table. University of Michigan regent Paul Brown, speaking for himself, declared the Textile Road location 'dead' due to local opposition, concerns over waterway and green space disruptions, and a host of other issues. This leaves the Willow Run site as the sole remaining option, but the decision is far from final.
The Willow Run site, once a World War II-era bomber plant, has been transformed into the American Center for Mobility (ACM), a proving ground for autonomous vehicles. However, the ACM is facing financial pressures, with the state demanding repayment of at least $35 million in grants and loans. This, coupled with leadership changes and the potential environmental liabilities of the site, makes the Willow Run location a complex choice for the university.
The university's potential purchase of the Willow Run site is further complicated by the fact that it already owns land near Textile Road, making it a simpler option. Additionally, the Willow Run site has several environmental issues, with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) issuing five environmental violation notices since 2016. The West Willow neighborhood, adjacent to the site, has well above-average pollution exposure, and sensitive populations.
The decision is further clouded by the township's opposition to the Willow Run site, with Brown warning of 'environmental racism' if the facility is located in a community that doesn't want it. The university is also facing a potential water supply issue, with a year-long moratorium on the site's water supply from the Ypsilanti Community Utility Authority (YCUA), which could complicate the plan.
In conclusion, the future of the Los Alamos National Laboratory site is uncertain, with the Textile Road location seemingly off the table and the Willow Run site facing a host of challenges. The university's decision will have significant implications for the community, the environment, and the future of high-performance computing in the region.
