Botetourt County Planning Commission split on water pipeline permit amid Google data center concerns

The Botetourt County Planning Commission recently held a contentious meeting regarding a water pipeline permit request from the Western Virginia Water Authority. Despite the authority's claim that the 3,800-foot pipeline is designed to provide high-pressure water and fire hydrants to over 40 households with limited water supply, many residents packed the county administration building to voice their deep distrust and opposition.

Residents expressed concerns that the proposed infrastructure is secretly intended to support a planned Google data center in the county. They accused the Western Virginia Water Authority of lacking transparency regarding the water supply's connection to the data center project. In an email to commissioners, Executive Director Michael McEvoy denied these claims, stating the pipeline is located "Northwest, away from the [data center] property" and "will not be used to support the proposed data center."

The Planning Commission ultimately ended in a 2-2 tie vote on the permit. Under Virginia law, a tied vote means the permit will still advance to the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval. Planning Commission Chair Beth Leffel defended the project, emphasizing the immediate safety risks posed by the current lack of water infrastructure in the subdivision, despite the community's pushback. The Board of Supervisors will now make the final decision.