Cave City residents push back on proposed data center near Mammoth Cave

Residents in Cave City, Kentucky, and the broader Barren County area are vocalizing strong opposition to a proposed 381-acre data center project spearheaded by Kentucky Industrial Alliance. Key concerns revolve around the development's potential impact on land use, local water resources, and its proximity—about 10 miles—to Mammoth Cave National Park. Residents, including Kathy Minor and Angie Herald, expressed surprise and fear about the project's scale and its potential effects on their properties and the unique cave system.

The developer, Kentucky Industrial Alliance, has filed a lawsuit challenging Cave City's moratorium on data centers. The company asserts that its development plan was submitted prior to the moratorium's approval and should therefore be reviewed under the zoning regulations in effect at the time of filing. The lawsuit claims the company has already invested approximately $2 million in the project on over 600 acres of land.

Cave City Council Member Leticia Cline defended the city's process for enacting the moratorium, acknowledging that small cities with available land and limited zoning are often attractive to large industrial developments. She emphasized the city's current efforts to bolster its zoning regulations. The National Parks Conservation Association has also highlighted the broader issue of data center development impacting protected landscapes across the country.

Barren County leaders have scheduled a town hall meeting for July 21 at Austin Tracy Elementary School to gather community feedback on data centers and future development. Residents like Gary Minor fear the project could significantly devalue their property.