Franklin County leaders answered questions about the impacts of data center development
Franklin County leaders held a public meeting to discuss the potential environmental, water and energy impacts of data center development. The meeting followed resident concerns about Project Flash, a proposed data center plan that is no longer moving forward, and officials said no data center plans are currently underway in the county.
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors held a two-hour public meeting with community members and experts from engineering firm Hurt & Profit and the Western Virginia Water Authority to examine the potential effects of data centers. Discussion focused on water usage, energy requirements and environmental impacts, as well as residents' concerns about nondisclosure agreements associated with such projects.
The meeting followed opposition and questions surrounding Project Flash, a proposed data center development that did not proceed. Board Chairwoman Lorie Smith said no data center plans are currently in the works for Franklin County, but officials intend to use feedback from the meeting to prepare for future proposals and may hold additional discussions.