Wright family requests Project River delay to address public concerns
The Wright family, associated with Wright Brothers Construction, has requested a delay on Project River, a proposed industrial campus in Bradley County, Tennessee, that is expected to include a data center. The delay is to address public concerns raised by neighbors regarding the project's environmental impact and electricity generation plans, which include two power plants. The project involves rezoning and annexation requests currently pending with the City of Cleveland.
The Wright family, developers of the proposed 'Project River' industrial campus in Bradley County, Tennessee, has requested that the City of Cleveland delay action on their project. The family, linked to Wright Brothers Construction, cited a desire to address concerns raised by local residents regarding the expansive development.
Project River, planned for over 800 acres along the Hiwassee River, includes two large power plants totaling 1,500-megawatts, which would likely serve a data center. The campus would feature a 500-megawatt woody biomass plant and a 1,000-megawatt gas-fired power plant, along with a connection to the Tennessee Valley Authority's grid. Developers are seeking rezoning and annexation of the land into Cleveland city limits, with decisions originally expected no earlier than October.
Public engagement meetings in early September saw significant opposition, with residents questioning the project's claims about self-sufficient power and water usage. The family emphasized their commitment to being 'good neighbors' and plans to onboard a third-party team of technical experts to review the project and address community feedback.