DeSoto County votes to put temporary moratorium on data centers

DeSoto County commissioners have decided to move forward with plans for a temporary moratorium on data centers after a packed meeting where residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed artificial intelligence data center in Arcadia. The DCIP Group, led by CEO Jon Brown, is behind the project, which residents fear will strain local resources, particularly water and energy, and negatively impact the rural community's agriculture and eco-tourism identity. An online petition against the data center has gathered over 4,000 signatures, reflecting widespread local disapproval.

Jon Brown of DCIP Group addressed concerns, stating the facility would generate most of its own electricity on-site and use a "closed loop" system with reclaimed wastewater to minimize water consumption. He emphasized that groundwater would be a last resort and a formal sound study is underway. Commissioner Elton Langford highlighted the potential for significant tax revenue, estimated at $26 million annually, which could fund infrastructure improvements for the county.

Initially, commissioners approved rezoning for 34 acres in March, but the full scope of the project, spanning over 1,300 acres with 825 acres requiring additional rezoning, has raised new concerns among officials, including Commissioner Langford, who stated he was not fully aware of the project's scale. The future vote on the moratorium ordinance and the subsequent decision on further rezoning will determine the data center's fate, with locals expressing a desire for community revitalization through other means.