Pulaski County judge candidate talks data centers ahead of Quorum Court vote
Pulaski County’s Quorum Court is expected to vote on whether to override County Judge Barry Hyde’s veto of strict data center zoning regulations. Judge candidate Michael Russian warned that the regulations could prompt litigation and discourage developers, while also calling for developers to pay for grid and infrastructure upgrades.
Pulaski County’s Quorum Court is preparing to vote on reinstating strict regulations affecting data center development, including a proposed project in Wrightsville. County Judge Barry Hyde vetoed the regulations last month, but the court appears to have enough votes to override the veto. The measures have emerged amid concerns about infrastructure costs, electricity-grid upgrades and the broader effects of data center development.
Michael Russian, the Republican candidate seeking to replace Hyde, urged justices of the peace to avoid rules that could trigger litigation by Aveo or the state. Russian said the county should establish workable requirements that make developers responsible for project-related infrastructure and grid improvements while keeping Pulaski County competitive for investment. Democratic candidate Wendell Griffin has supported the ordinance, and citizen concerns have helped fuel opposition to data centers. The Quorum Court’s vote is scheduled for Tuesday.