Walker County votes for 30-day data center moratorium
The Walker County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted for a 30-day moratorium on data centers, making it the third local government in the region to do so recently. This action was prompted by strong public interest and resident requests for the county to review data center development. The board plans to use this period to research different types of data centers and develop appropriate ordinances, with the option to extend the moratorium for another 180 days.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners in LaFayette, Georgia, has unanimously approved a 30-day moratorium on data center development, following similar actions by two other local governments in the region within the past month. The decision was primarily driven by significant public interest and resident requests made during recent town halls across Walker County, according to Board Chair Angie Teems.
Commissioner Brian Hart attended a meeting in Chattanooga to gather more information, and the county's attorney is advising on the best approach for data center ordinances and moratoriums. Chair Teems emphasized the board's commitment to thorough research into various data center types to ensure any future decisions do not negatively impact communities while also avoiding missed opportunities. The board plans to consider extending the moratorium for an additional 180 days at its August 6 meeting to allow time for the development of appropriate ordinances. Teems also noted that an economic development authority in Walker County had previously been approached by brokers interested in data center projects, but they were deterred after learning the community's disinterest.