Fort Meade board recommends approval of controversial data center agreement

FORT MEADE, Fla. - A proposed data center project in Fort Meade, Florida, is advancing despite significant community debate. The Fort Meade Planning and Zoning Board recently voted to recommend approval of a key development agreement for the project, which calls for up to 4.4 million square feet of data center space across more than 1,300 acres north of downtown. The final decision now rests with the Fort Meade City Commission, which is scheduled to address the issue next week on April 14. The project has generated controversy, primarily due to concerns about water usage and its long-term impact on the small city. According to city data, Fort Meade currently utilizes approximately 79% of its permitted water supply, and the data center's addition could push this figure to nearly 88%, raising questions about future growth capacity. Developers with Stonebridge, represented by Doug Firstenberg, assert that the facility would use about 50,000 gallons of water per day, mainly for non-cooling purposes, with data center cooling systems operating on a closed-loop system designed for minimal evaporation. Despite the developer's assurances, many residents, including Lisa Rice, remain skeptical about the project's implications for their community. As part of the development agreement, Stonebridge is offering the city $10 million upfront for infrastructure improvements, acknowledging that much of Fort Meade's existing infrastructure is outdated. An additional sum is also proposed to assist the city in enhancing its water supply, and city leaders are exploring joining a regional water system. The planning and zoning board's vote serves only as a recommendation, and the ultimate decision on the controversial development agreement will be made by the Fort Meade City Commission.