Data Center not likely for Ste. Gen. County
Ste. Genevieve County commissioners doubt the county will attract a data center due to limited utility infrastructure. Commissioner Mark Marberry highlighted technological advancements in data centers reducing resource drain but noted current infrastructure and the lack of planning and zoning as barriers.
During a recent Ste. Genevieve County commission meeting, commissioners discussed the likelihood of a data center locating within the county. Second District Commissioner Mark Marberry, after attending a conference on the topic, expressed strong doubts, citing the county's insufficient utility infrastructure. He acknowledged technological advancements, such as improved cooling systems that reduce water consumption and on-site power generation, which could lessen the burden on local resources. Marberry also mentioned emerging technologies like mini nuclear generators for power, but ultimately concluded that the county's current infrastructure makes it unattractive for data center developers.
Commissioner Marberry also pointed out that Ste. Genevieve County currently lacks comprehensive planning and zoning regulations. He suggested that this absence could make it difficult for the county to prevent data centers from being established if private land transactions facilitated their development, although he reiterated his belief that such a development is unlikely in the near future. The discussion concluded without specific action on data centers, with the meeting moving on to other county business like road work and courthouse repairs.