Panattoni releases new details on Project Bluegrass data center
Panattoni has provided new details for its proposed "Project Bluegrass" data center in Mercer County, Kentucky, as the town of Burgin considers annexing hundreds of acres of farmland for the development. The company addressed community concerns regarding the project's impact and utility rates, while residents expressed distrust over a perceived lack of transparency and ongoing opposition.
Panattoni, a data center developer, has released new information regarding its proposed "Project Bluegrass" data center in Mercer County, Kentucky. This comes as the town of Burgin is considering annexing approximately 950 acres of farmland for the development.
The company added a frequently asked questions section to the Project Bluegrass website, stating that less than 50% of the site would be developed and that the project would "complement" Burgin. Panattoni also addressed concerns about utility rates, asserting that Burgin residents should not subsidize the infrastructure for Project Bluegrass. The company referenced Gov. Andy Beshear's recent executive order on data centers.
Local resident Bethany Corea views Panattoni's new information as a "last-ditch attempt" due to community opposition and the Governor's executive order. Corea's open records requests revealed communications between Burgin school board and council members with Panattoni weeks before the project was publicly discussed, leading to a perceived lack of transparency that has eroded community trust. Despite Panattoni's recent local newspaper ad and website promoting the project, Corea believes these efforts are an attempt to create "manufactured consent."
Panattoni highlighted Burgin's suitability for the project, citing its proximity to significant electrical infrastructure and access to water and sewer resources. The Burgin City Council's next scheduled meeting on the matter is Tuesday, September 8.