Residents seek answers as AI data center proposal near Mason County Airport takes shape

A major artificial intelligence infrastructure project could be coming to Mason County, with state leaders saying it has the potential to become one of the largest data center complexes in the world. Del. Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, said national partners are working with global AI infrastructure company Nscale on plans for a large-scale facility near the Mason County Airport. “What we’ve learned even just in the last 24 hours is national partners are coming together to create a data center complex in Mason County that, if they’re able to complete all that they have aspirations to do, could be one of the largest in the world,” Pinson said. Pinson said the project could bring thousands of jobs and significant economic development to the region. However, he acknowledged many details have yet to be finalized. “There’s a lot of questions, and those questions deserve to be asked and they deserve to be answered,” he said. Some residents say they are concerned about the lack of information surrounding the project. Elaine Matheny, who lives near the proposed site, said she worries decisions have been made without enough public input. “I think that a lot of decisions have been made in back rooms, and we’re going to be told what will make us happy,” Matheny said. “I’m not sure that it’s going to be the truth.” Matheny also raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the facility, including noise, water usage and air pollution. “How much noise, how much water, how much air pollution is going to come out of this industrial park?” she asked. Pinson said he shares many of those concerns and plans to work as a liaison between the company and the community. “I believe that hearing these concerns and responding to these concerns is vital,” he said. “We are excited about the progress, but at the same time, we want to be cautious.” Pinson added that residents deserve clear answers as plans move forward, particularly regarding infrastructure, environmental impact and quality of life. “When a project of this size and magnitude is announced, people worry about the roads, they worry about water usage, and they worry about making sure their voice is heard,” Pinson said. “I will do my very best to be that go-between the company itself and the community in which I live.” FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/residents-seek-answers-as-ai-data-center-proposal-near-mason-county-airport-takes-shape _________________________________________ For the latest local and national news, visit our website: https://wchstv.com/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://wchstv.com/sign-up Follow WCHS-TV on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wchs8fox11​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wchs8fox11/