Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger Breaks Silence On Proposed Data Center

Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger recently broke his silence regarding a proposed two-million-square-foot data center by Applied Digital Corporation in Brookwood, Alabama. The Mayor clarified that the City of Brookwood has no role in the state-issued construction stormwater permit, which was granted by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to APLD BHM-01 LLC, a subsidiary of Applied Digital. He directed inquiries about the project to the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority.

Barger, addressing residents' concerns and speculation, stated that he is contractually limited from discussing project details. He likened the situation to other industrial developments, such as the Mercedes plant, which were initially shrouded in secrecy. Despite the lack of city involvement in the state permit, the Mayor expressed his commitment to the community's well-being and hinted at future industrial development in the city's industrial parkway.

The project, which involves a 1,300-acre site and potential runoff into Hurricane Creek, has generated concerns among residents and environmental advocates regarding transparency, water usage, noise, and power consumption. Although the Brookwood Planning and Zoning Commission was reportedly set to address a related request, Applied Digital stated they had no business before the body on that date, maintaining that no final decision has been made to proceed with the project, despite securing the state permit valid until 2031.