Candidate Questionnaire: Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor
A Watauga County candidate questionnaire asks how the local Soil and Water Conservation District should respond to potential large-scale developments such as data centers. Candidates David Williams and Aaron Grig discuss evaluating water, land, soil, power-grid and community impacts, but the article does not identify a specific data center project.
The Watauga Democrat published responses from candidates David Williams and Aaron Grig in the 2026 race for Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor. David Scott did not respond. The district is a state-government subdivision responsible for conservation planning, technical assistance and financial support for landowners.
Asked about data centers, Williams said the district should serve an active advisory role by helping local and state officials assess impacts on water resources, farmland, soil health and neighboring communities while encouraging environmental mitigation. Grig expressed stronger opposition to large clusters imposed on communities and said any proposed project should publicly address water sources, runoff, heat, waste, drought conditions and effects on headwaters and wildlife. No specific development or government decision is reported.