Residents continue to question Waterford data center project

At a recent Washington County Commission meeting in Ohio, residents from Waterford and the broader Washington County continued to express significant concerns regarding a proposed data center project. Lois Morris questioned a potential tax abatement for the data center, prompting Commissioner Schilling to explain that the Ohio General Assembly previously did not agree with tax incentives for data centers proposed by Gov. Mike DeWine, and that State Senator Brian Chavez and Representative Kevin Ritter are working to eliminate sales tax exemptions. Schilling noted no decisions have been made and they are evaluating actions in other communities. Washington County Prosecutor Nicole Coil addressed inquiries about a 30-day moratorium on data center construction, explaining that such a measure would be less impactful in Waterford due to a lack of underlying zoning, which typically allows for revisions and amendments during a pause. Resident Jennifer Duskey presented survey results indicating over 90% local opposition to the project, to which Commissioner Schilling stated they are pressing the developer for a public meeting to address concerns. Despite the widespread opposition, David Bland, a political director for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, argued the data center would create much-needed jobs in an area that has experienced business closures, emphasizing the importance of local employment. Southeastern Ohio Port Authority Executive Director Jesse Roush encouraged residents to engage respectfully and seek understanding on complex topics like data centers and injection wells, dispelling what he called "categorically false" claims circulating on social media regarding county bonds and data center investment.