Woodford County Fiscal Court moves to block future data centers
The Woodford County Fiscal Court in Kentucky has unanimously approved motions to block future data center development within the county. These actions include directing the county attorney to draft legislation prohibiting data centers and formally requesting the planning commission to review and consider zoning regulations for a ban. The move is proactive, as there are no current data center proposals, but county leaders are concerned about protecting land.
The Woodford County Fiscal Court in Kentucky has taken decisive steps to prevent future data center developments within its jurisdiction. On Tuesday, the court unanimously approved two motions, signaling a proactive approach to land protection and growth management.
Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay stated that the county is coordinating with the city of Midway to prohibit data center construction. One of the approved motions directs the county attorney to draft legislation that would ban data centers, while the second formally requests the planning commission to review and consider zoning and land use regulations for the same purpose.
Although there are no current data center proposals in Woodford County, Judge Kay indicated that county leaders are concerned about protecting land, noting that data centers and battery storage facilities are eyeing central Kentucky communities, including the Midway area and northern Woodford County due to potential capacity.
The Woodford County Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee is also scheduled to meet to discuss drafting an ordinance to prohibit data centers. This initiative follows a similar action by the nearby city of Versailles, which enacted a moratorium on data centers last week.