Data center projects move into eastern Prince William

Three new data center projects are moving forward in eastern Prince William County, Virginia, prompting significant local debate and opposition. The proposals, which could bring up to 12 data centers to areas near Woodbridge and Dumfries, include "Quantico Ridge," "Six Towers Industrial Park," and "Southgate." These developments are situated close to sensitive locations such as Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, Prince William Forest Park, and the Four Seasons 55-and-up community.

Highland Properties Manassas LLC is proposing Quantico Ridge, a four-data center campus near Prince William Forest Park, which has drawn concerns from environmental groups about its impact on the park and Quantico Creek headwaters. Noble Terra LLC is behind the Six Towers Industrial Park, envisioning two data centers near Colgan High, a plan that county staff noted would require extensive tree clearing and negatively impact wetlands, contradicting county environmental policies. The Southgate project, backed by former board Chair Corey Stewart and Cedrus Group, proposes two complexes with six data centers and two substations near the Four Seasons community, whose residents have actively opposed the project due to noise, pollution, and property line proximity, despite initial support for an earlier, smaller proposal.

County officials, including Board chair Deshundra Jefferson, have expressed reluctance to approve data centers near homes, schools, and national parks, though she couldn't comment on specific projects under review. Supervisor Andrea Bailey, whose district covers the proposed sites, also declined to comment. Campaign finance reports reveal that several supervisors, including Bailey, Victor Angry, Kenny Boddye, and Yesli Vega, have received donations from developers and landowners involved in these projects, raising concerns among residents about undue influence on decision-making.