Grassroots coalition opposes proposed Mammoth Cave-area data center
A grassroots coalition in Barren County is opposing a proposed data center near Mammoth Cave. Residents cite 37 sinkholes and the potential impact on an endangered cave shrimp species, while Cave City faces ongoing litigation involving its data center moratorium.
Residents near Mammoth Cave have formed a coalition to oppose a proposed data center planned near Cave City in Barren County. Farm owner Angie Herald and coalition organizer Jessie Crabtree say the project would be located close to homes and farmland, and the group is seeking to stop it entirely. The coalition says it has identified 37 sinkholes on the site and is raising concerns about an endangered cave shrimp found only in Mammoth Cave’s underground basins.
The group drew nearly 40 people to its first meeting and plans to organize additional committees ahead of a Nov. 10 meeting. Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation over the city’s data center moratorium. Online reaction has been largely opposed, although some residents said they could support a properly regulated project that does not increase utility costs.