Emporia Business Survey Shows Support for Digital Campus Data Center
A survey of Emporia businesses indicates strong support for exploring the Flint Hills Digital Campus data center project, despite active public opposition. The survey highlights favorability for potential project benefits and associated zoning changes, with Emporia city commissioners scheduled to consider related zoning and policy measures this week. Meanwhile, opponents continue their efforts across Lyon County, including a petition drive.
The Flint Hills Digital Campus data center project in Emporia, Kansas, has generated significant public opposition since its announcement in early June, but a recent business survey indicates strong support within the local business community for exploring the development. Conducted among Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Emporia Main Street, and Regional Development Association-related businesses, the survey garnered over 100 responses.
Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods noted on KVOE's Newsmaker segment that nearly 72 percent of participants expressed support for the Digital Campus based on current knowledge, with only about 7.5 percent opposed. Support increased to over 84 percent when considering potential benefits, and almost 87 percent favored the City Commission approving recommended zoning changes, as opposed to 8.4 percent. Regional Development Association Interim Vice President Brad Kraft, who developed the survey, stated the results clearly show business support for exploring the project.
Emporia city commissioners are scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss zoning matters for 11 land tracts and policies for large-volume water and wastewater users, which Kraft emphasized are not a referendum on AI but necessary policy measures. Meanwhile, data center opponents are actively campaigning across Lyon County, having presented a potential ordinance to the Americus City Council and working on similar efforts for other small towns. A petition aiming to halt the project or place it on the November 3 ballot is currently undergoing signature validation.