Economic project promises transformation, raises concerns about data centers in Bradley County
A major economic initiative, Project River, has been announced for Bradley County, Tennessee, promising $11 billion in development and 1,700 jobs. While the project includes an industrial campus and a self-sufficient power plant, the potential for a data center on the 850-acre site has sparked significant environmental and transparency concerns among local residents. A public meeting is scheduled to address these issues.
Project River, an $11 billion economic development initiative, has been announced for Bradley County, Tennessee, promising to bring 1,700 jobs to the region. However, this announcement has sparked significant concerns among local residents, particularly regarding the potential inclusion of a data center within the project.
The development involves an 850-acre industrial campus on land owned by the Wright family off Lower River Road. The project plans to feature an onsite power plant to fuel heavy industry, potentially including a data center. Developers claim the project will be self-sufficient, generating its own power and collecting water from native pine trees, which they say would also revitalize the local timber industry through biomass processing.
Despite these claims, residents like Brian Cortez, co-owner of B&B Marina in Charleston, have voiced strong opposition to the Bradley County Commission. Their concerns focus on the potential ecological impact on the Hiwassee River, affecting birds, fish, and exacerbating algae blooms. Cortez also expressed a lack of confidence in Bradley County officials, alleging they have not adequately informed residents about the project.
A public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1st, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the PI Center in Cleveland, Tennessee, to discuss the project further.