Bray, Clymer debate community benefits for data center
Paducah Mayor George Bray and McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer disagree over whether developers of the proposed $100 billion Paducah American Energy Hub data center project should negotiate a community benefit agreement. Bray supports additional commitments for housing and community funds, while Clymer favors relying on tax revenue and requiring developers to address any infrastructure or environmental damage.
Paducah Mayor George Bray and McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer are publicly debating whether Brookfield and NextEra should enter a community benefit agreement for the proposed $100 billion data center project at the U.S. Department of Energy's Paducah Site. The dispute followed an October candidate town hall and has continued through social media during their campaign for county judge executive.
Bray said the project could transform McCracken County and that local officials should negotiate benefits beyond taxes, potentially including housing incentives and a restricted community fund. Clymer argued that the privately funded project should pay its full tax obligations without being charged additional amounts, although he said developers should be responsible for environmental or infrastructure damage. Both candidates said the project could generate substantial local revenue and jobs.