Court blocks construction of 37 data centers beside historic battlefield in Manassas

A Virginia court has temporarily blocked the construction of the Prince William Digital Gateway, a massive development intended to house 37 data centers across 2,100 acres adjacent to the Manassas Battlefield. This ruling marks a significant victory for a coalition of civic and environmental groups who have actively opposed the project. The Prince William Board of Supervisors had initially approved the rezoning for the development despite widespread opposition. However, opponents subsequently filed a lawsuit, arguing that the developers and the county failed to provide sufficient public notice about the project and made numerous modifications to the plans, even up to the last minute, hindering effective public testimony. Attorney Elizabeth Merritt of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who testified against the project, highlighted concerns about the irreparable damage to the historic Manassas Battlefield experience and the strain on local resources, particularly the immense consumption of electricity and water by data centers. While supporters of the development emphasized the potential for millions in tax dollars for the county, opponents focused on environmental and infrastructure impacts. Following the court's decision to block construction, a coalition of groups is now urging the Board of Supervisors to withdraw from any defense of the Digital Gateway Project and not appeal the ruling. Prince William County has already allocated $1.6 million for legal fees to potentially appeal the court's decision, suggesting a continued legal battle.