Pierson addresses BOS about data center

Lily Pierson, a Natural Resource Management student, led a group of Vicksburg residents in addressing the Warren County Board of Supervisors regarding the planned Amazon Web Services data center. During the meeting on April 6, Pierson formally presented a series of questions that she had previously emailed to the Board, focusing on the project's regulatory requirements, environmental and social impacts, and potential community benefits. Board President Dr. Kelle Barfield provided responses, clarifying that while a development permit for site clearing had been issued to a subcontractor, no building permits had been requested as the final location and general contractor were not yet named. Barfield detailed the county's permit process, which does not require public comment, but noted that state and federal regulations, particularly from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Corps of Engineers, may include public comment periods. Regarding concerns about impacts on Dana Road Elementary and electricity prices, Barfield stated these were questions for Amazon officials and the Mississippi Public Service Commission, respectively. Pierson also inquired about water and land usage updates, noise and health impact studies, and the possibility of a community benefits agreement. Dr. Barfield explained that Amazon had been conducting noise studies for over a year and would need to provide that information, while environmental protection falls under state and federal agencies. Supervisor Shawn Jackson thanked Pierson for her efforts in promoting transparency and accountability, acknowledging ongoing discussions with AWS contacts. Supervisor Edward Herring urged residents to educate themselves and avoid rumors, while Dr. Barfield cautioned against misinformation found online, specifically addressing rumors of supervisors signing non-disclosure agreements, which all supervisors denied. Pierson plans to host an educational event on environmental quality and citizen engagement on April 25 at the Warren County Vicksburg Public Library.