Vidalia approves occupational license and land option for proposed data center

The Vidalia Board of Aldermen has approved an occupational license and an option agreement for approximately 208 acres of industrial property for a proposed data center at the former Vidalia Fruit of the Loom site. The decision was made during a special meeting despite vocal opposition from over a dozen residents, who expressed concerns about potential noise pollution, excessive water and electricity consumption, and the limited number of permanent jobs the facility might create compared to the site's previous tenant.

Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft identified the investment group as Fortalis Vidalia LLC, emphasizing that the company is fully funding the project without local financial assistance or tax breaks. Craft addressed public concerns, stating the data center is expected to operate within noise ordinances, use minimal water equivalent to the town's splash pad, and initially create 65-70 permanent jobs with competitive salaries, potentially growing to 100-150 jobs. He also highlighted the town's substantial available electricity capacity from a newly built substation, anticipating $4.2 million in initial utility revenue for Vidalia, increasing to $9 million as the data center expands its power usage.

Craft hinted at a significant, transformational announcement regarding Fortalis Vidalia LLC's sister company in Louisiana, expected from Baton Rouge in the coming weeks. While most residents opposed the project, Louisiana House Rep. C. Travis Johnson spoke in favor, advocating for careful development that protects resources while embracing new industries like AI data centers. The closing deadline for the property sale is October 5.