Jobs, power and water: Fairfield presses data center developers

Residents of Fairfield, Alabama, gathered at a town hall meeting to address representatives from Patmos regarding a proposed data center and advanced technology campus slated for a former Walmart site. Mayor Herman Carnes, Jr. presented the project as a key part of the city's economic development strategy, aiming to attract new investment and jobs.

Patmos representatives, including a community relations manager for Alabama Power, outlined their plans for a 20-megawatt initial phase, expanding to 45 megawatts, representing an estimated $150 million investment. The company projected a significant increase in property tax revenue and the creation of approximately 50 long-term jobs, including infrastructure employees, engineers, and security personnel. They also addressed concerns about the electrical grid, stating that Alabama Power would ensure no impact on existing customers and that Patmos would cover upgrade costs.

However, residents voiced strong opposition and skepticism, particularly concerning the sustainability of jobs post-construction, potential impacts on water resources (with the initial phase requiring about 10,000 gallons per day during hot conditions), noise from backup generators, and environmental pollution. Resident Jenny Craig expressed concerns about resource depletion and questioned the suitability of the development for Fairfield, stating her belief that the project seemed to be a 'done deal' before adequate public input. Patmos maintained the meeting's purpose was to provide information, not to persuade, as they prepare to submit their full permit application by the end of August, hoping to begin construction as early as September.