Mercer County residents rally against proposed data center development

Mercer County residents are rallying against a proposed data center development that they fear could forever change their rural way of life. A grassroots opposition movement has gained momentum, with an online petition collecting over 1,700 signatures. Residents are concerned about the project's impact on their community, including noise pollution that could force a local horse business to relocate, the potential loss of prime farmland, and increases in utility costs. The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority has received numerous inquiries about data centers in the area due to the county's high voltage transmission lines and power plant. Local schools say the project could generate nearly $30 million annually in school revenue, but they aren't taking sides. The proposal will be discussed at a joint Planning and Zoning Commission meeting this Wednesday.