City leaders evaluating proposed data center in Pikeville, Kentucky

The city of Pikeville has joined several other Kentucky communities considering the pros and cons of welcoming a data center. While city leaders stress no data center project has been approved, officials agreed to study a proposal to see if it would make sense for the community. Lexington-based M.D. Squared Power LLC is looking to build a data center at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park in Pikeville, marking a $250 million investment expected to create 40 permanent jobs. "Our goal is to generate jobs for people to have money in their pockets to spend and to earn that money in our community," Pikeville city manager Reggie Hickman said. "If we can't check all the boxes to satisfy all the needs that we are talking about now, it will not happen." Hickman said progress has been cautious as city leaders have signed a memorandum of understanding creating a 120-day period where the city and developer negotiate an agreement to build the data center. As the city evaluates this potential project, Hickman says city leaders share the public's concerns as it pertains to the environment and power rates. "They will have to pay their own way then it comes to power and infrastructure, whether it be water, sewer or whatever," Hickman said. "The residential ratepayers for the city of Pikeville are not going to bear the cost of this." Parties are about halfway through the window for consideration. At the end of 120 days, either side can back out of the project. No final development agreement will be considered by commissioner until an independent review of project is completed. Any final agreement must be approved at a public meeting by Pikeville City Commission at a public meeting. FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/pikeville-leaders-are-studying-whether-a-proposed-data-center-is-a-good-fit-for-the-city _________________________________________ Follow WCHS on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wchs8fox11​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wchs8fox11/ For the latest local and national news, visit our website: https://wchstv.com/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://wchstv.com/sign-up