What's Inside the NDA behind Alabama's largest data center development?
The city of Bessemer, Alabama, released a controversial non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed by its mayor regarding Project Marvel, a $14.5 billion data center development. The release followed a threat of a lawsuit after residents demanded transparency and raised concerns about environmental impacts, water usage, and electricity demands. QTS Data Centers will operate the project, developed by Logistics Land Investment.
The city of Bessemer, Alabama, has released a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed by Mayor Kenneth Gulley concerning Project Marvel, a controversial $14.5 billion data center development. The disclosure came after the city faced a threat of legal action, having previously resisted public demands for the document.
Signed by Mayor Gulley, his chief of staff, and the city attorney with Logistics Land Investment, the NDA restricted the sharing of sensitive information, including project plans and trade secrets. Critics noted unusual clauses, such as the requirement to destroy confidential materials at the developer's request or upon expiration, and an initial stipulation for adherence to Georgia state law, despite the project being in Alabama.
Project Marvel, operated by QTS Data Centers, is planned as an 18-building campus spanning 4.5 million square feet across 1,600 acres. It is projected to consume up to 130,000 gallons of municipal water daily from the Warrior River Water Authority and require 1,200 megawatts of electricity from Alabama Power.
The development has been plagued by complaints regarding secrecy and a lack of transparency, with public meetings drawing large crowds. Residents have voiced significant concerns over potential environmental impacts, substantial water usage, and the considerable power demands this project would place on the rural community.