Lowndes County residents react to Commission approving Project Red Clay data center despite their opposition
The Lowndes County Commission approved development and tax agreements for Cloverleaf Infrastructure's proposed Project Red Clay data center despite six months of resident opposition. Residents raised concerns about tax abatements, transparency, population loss, property values, environmental impacts and the project's effects on utilities and community growth.
The Lowndes County Commission approved development agreements and tax incentives for Project Red Clay, a proposed data center to be developed by Cloverleaf Infrastructure. Company CEO David Berry said the project could generate about $124 million annually in state and local taxes, create 225 permanent jobs and provide roughly $70 million per year for county schools. Project plans also promise to minimize water use and environmental disruption, cover the facility's power costs and invest up to $10 million in local needs.
Residents and members of Protect Lowndes County said officials approved the deal despite sustained opposition and inadequate public access to project documents. They questioned the projected economic benefits, warned of population loss, property devaluation and community disruption, and objected to proposed 50% abatements on ad valorem and sales taxes. Opponents said they intend to continue fighting the project and suggested lawsuits could follow if development proceeds.