The proposed Microsoft data center at the former Saint Joe Farms site in Granger is moving closer to construction.

On Tuesday, two St. Joseph County boards, the City of Mishawaka, and Microsoft approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will allow pre-construction work to begin. Mishawaka is expected to provide water and sewer services for the project.

The St. Joseph County Council must still give final approval. If approved, the agreement would allow Microsoft to spend $12.5 million on site preparation ahead of a planned groundbreaking later this year.

While full construction is not expected immediately, crews could begin work within weeks. Initial activity will include land surveying, engineering and agricultural studies, property line assessments, and identifying utility locations.