Tucker County Data Center Project Draws Mixed Reactions After Site Visit
A site visit for a proposed power plant and data center complex in Tucker County, West Virginia, revealed mixed reactions among attendees. While some local leaders were encouraged by the developer's environmental promises, community members expressed deep skepticism about genuine engagement and the project's impact. A construction permit for the power plant has been granted and upheld on appeal, though the broader data center project's formal application is pending.
Local officials and community members expressed sharply divided views following a May 18 site visit to a proposed power plant and data center complex by Fundamental Data in Tucker County, West Virginia. Davis Mayor Al Tomson, Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau, and Thomas Mayor Jody Flanagan reported feeling encouraged by Fundamental Data's representatives, who discussed plans to use treated mine water for cooling, implement pollution controls exceeding state and federal requirements, and site the power plant to minimize visual impact. Mayor Tomson expressed a belief that the project is inevitable and that community engagement is crucial to mitigating potential harms.
However, other attendees, including Thomas resident Erika Smith and Tucker United Executive Director Amy Margolies, voiced significant concerns, calling the event "unimpressed and deeply unsettled." Smith criticized Fundamental Data for being unable to answer basic questions and for a dismissive tone. Margolies highlighted the lack of recourse if the company breaks its promises regarding environmental protections and water usage, noting that the company could easily switch to aquifer water without significant regulatory hurdles. She also criticized the company's community engagement strategy, suggesting events are carefully managed to limit public input.
West Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce Nick Preservati, who organized the visit, stated that meaningful decision-making requires formal project applications, which Fundamental Data has not yet submitted for the microgrid data center aspect. Despite this, a construction permit for the power plant component has already been granted and upheld by a state appeals board. Chris Morris, director of the state's Data Economy Office, acknowledged the need for improved community engagement on data center proposals in the state.