Franklin County data center project is no longer moving forward
Project Flash, a proposed data center in Franklin County, Virginia, is no longer moving forward, according to a county supervisor. Despite this, local residents and the Franklin County Community Coalition are continuing their advocacy for updated zoning regulations and a comprehensive plan to prevent future data center developments.
Project Flash, a proposed data center development in Franklin County, Virginia, has been canceled, according to Franklin County Board of Supervisors member Mike Meredith. Meredith shared the update at a community meeting, informing residents that the project was "dead" and they could "relax a little bit."
However, residents and the Franklin County Community Coalition remain concerned, as Meredith also warned that no current protections prevent another data center project from emerging. Christine Sizemore, vice chair of the Coalition, emphasized the need for the county to update its zoning regulations and comprehensive plan to effectively address data centers and other resource-intensive industries.
Board of Supervisors member Tim Tatum pledged to continue advocating for residents and to implement "good, solid provisions" to protect the county's environment. The Franklin County Community Coalition plans to persist in its efforts to establish safeguards against future data center developments.