Amazon hosts data center information event, despite community pushback
Amazon hosted an open house in Montgomery County, Missouri, concerning its proposed $10 billion data center in New Florence, facing significant community opposition. A recent survey revealed 85% of residents are opposed to data centers in the county, citing concerns about water and acoustics. Missouri Representative Don Mayhew also called for a special session of the General Assembly to address the rapid growth of large-scale data centers.
Amazon recently hosted an open house at Montgomery County Middle School to address public questions about its proposed $10 billion data center in New Florence, Missouri. The event, however, took place amidst significant community pushback, intensified by a countywide survey conducted by the Missouri Rural Crisis Center (MRCC). The survey, which garnered 1,461 responses, revealed that 85% of residents oppose the development of massive data centers in Montgomery County.
Residents like Sylvia Kueny expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the project proceeded without sufficient community input and that their specific concerns regarding water usage and infrasound were not adequately addressed by Amazon representatives. Judy Batton, another resident, echoed the sentiment that the open house failed to provide new information and highlighted the desire for residents to have a direct vote on such developments. Amazon's community engagement manager, Amy Jaballah, stated the event aimed to provide expert information on construction, operations, and environmental aspects.
The local opposition extends to a broader state-level concern, as Missouri Representative Don Mayhew announced a coalition's call for Governor Kehoe to convene a special session of the General Assembly. This session would aim to address concerns surrounding the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers across Missouri, indicating a growing political interest in regulating these developments.