Commissioners say Amazon behind potential data center

Adams County officials have addressed public attention regarding a potential large-scale data center development in the county, clarifying that no formal proposal has been submitted. The Adams County Board of Commissioners issued a press release confirming that representatives associated with Amazon have approached the county, specifically concerning Sprigg Township, but described these communications as preliminary and limited. Commissioners emphasized that no agreements, financial commitments, or detailed project plans have been received, and the county remains in an early, exploratory stage. During a March 30 meeting, Adams County Common Pleas Court Judge Brett Spencer, speaking as a Sprigg Township resident, raised concerns about tax structure, public process, and the timeline, suggesting consideration of potential township-level actions, including a ballot initiative related to zoning. Commissioner Barbara Moore Holt responded that no negotiations or incentives have been discussed beyond general comparisons. Public records from early 2025 through early 2026 revealed interest from multiple developers, and coordination with economic development entities like JobsOhio and Ohio Southeast Economic Development, as well as utility providers AEP Ohio and AES Ohio, for information on power availability, permitting, and site readiness, including former power plant properties. Officials stated these communications are standard economic development activities, not formal negotiations. They acknowledged the need for public involvement and committed to hosting community forums to provide information on infrastructure, utilities, environmental impact, and land use, stressing these forums are informational and not part of an approval process. Water usage and sourcing were also mentioned as preliminary discussion points. The county maintains no formal data center project has been submitted, and any future actions would depend on a formal proposal and subsequent public review.