Lowndes County residents speak out about data center deal
The Lowndes County Commission voted 3-2 to move forward with Project Red Clay, a proposed data center planned along County Road 37. Residents and community advocates continue to oppose the deal, citing the size of the tax incentives and concerns about whether county leaders adequately considered public input.
The Lowndes County Commission approved the Project Red Clay data center deal in a 3-2 vote, despite months of strong community opposition. The proposed development on County Road 37 could begin construction as early as next year and is being promoted as the largest investment in county history, with billions of dollars in new investment, hundreds of jobs and additional tax revenue.
Project supporters say the agreement includes a 50% abatement of ad valorem and sales taxes, reportedly worth about $2.4 billion, in exchange for a $10 million community investment. The project also promises to limit noise, lighting and water usage. Opponents including John Urquhart of Protect Lowndes County and residents Marie Barnes and Adrian Johnson argue that county leaders pushed the deal through while ignoring packed public meetings and failing to put residents first.