Google reveals more details about Botetourt County data center plans

Google has officially confirmed its plans to build a data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia, a development county administrator Gary Larrowe called a "monumental day." The company purchased over 300 acres in the Greenfield area for the facility. The project addresses community concerns regarding water usage and utility costs. Google has committed to paying for all required water and electric infrastructure. The data center is expected to draw up to 2 million gallons of water per day from Carvins Cove, potentially increasing to 8 million gallons daily, but Google asserts its water use will meet regulatory requirements and plans to work with the Western Virginia Water Authority on cooling options. Dr. Ali Mehrizi-Sani, a Virginia Tech professor, noted alternative cooling methods could reduce water dependency. Google will also fund an expansion of Virginia Tech's water monitoring research to include Carvins Cove and contribute a pro rata share for a new water source by 2060 based on its usage. Economically, the county estimates Google will contribute approximately $30 million in annual taxes, a significant revenue source that Botetourt County officials are considering for community improvements, such as building a new high school or renovating the Botetourt Technical Education Center. Google has already provided substantial grants for public safety, including ambulances, body cameras for officers, heart monitors, fire trucks, and equipment for the 911 center. At a national level, Virginia's U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine acknowledged the economic benefits of data centers for the state but also raised concerns about their impact on water use, power consumption, and communities. Senator Kaine expressed opposition to a national moratorium on data centers, advocating for state-level solutions to these issues. Senator Warner, while also disagreeing with a national moratorium proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, emphasized that data centers should bear their own costs for electricity and water, and the AI industry should address potential job displacement. Google stated its goal is to innovate while protecting local resources, investing in the workforce, and supporting grid reliability. Construction is expected to begin in late spring or early summer after an oversight process is completed, with Google planning community open houses.